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On a hot muggy afternoon in Nashville, a resolute Panamian side featuring MLS regulars frustrated the Americans as Bruce Arena’s men drew Panama 1-1 on Saturday.
And so it begins! Introducing your #USMNT starting XI for our #GoldCup2017 opener vs. Panama.
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) July 8, 2017
Lineup notes: https://t.co/sW4HHMO8dm pic.twitter.com/ZcFuP2SOLD
The first half was a slog as neither team seriously threatened on goal, with both teams eager to slow the game down to avoid sapping energy. Kelyn Rowe had an opportunistic blast from distance, but for the most part the Yanks were silent.
That changed quickly in the second half: In the 50th minute, Rowe did brilliantly to swivel a defender around in the left corner before his low cross into the box found Dominic Dwyer, and the Sporting Kansas City forward did not miss, pulling a shot past José Calderón and in.
That's more like it! Dwyer gives the #USMNT the lead after great work from Rowe. @ModeloUSA #ModeloSoccer #USAvPAN https://t.co/1mI1Rf2vvt
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 8, 2017
Panama fought right back, and Brad Guzan was forced into a pair of world-class saves. Eventually they would equalize when the USA failed to clear the ball and Miguel Camargo’s shot managed to trickle across the line.
The USA next head to Tampa Bay to take on Martinque June 12th.