USMNT top Panama 3-0 in Gregg Berhalter’s debut as manager

Former LA Galaxy and MLS Cup 2011 winner Gregg Berhalter had a successful debut in his first match at the helm of the U.S. Men’s National Team, as the Americans soundly defeated Panama Sunday night in Arizona before a sparse crowd at State Farm Stadium.

As you might expect, an MLS heavy roster including five international debuts struggled to move the ball quickly but gradually grew into the match. Gyasi Zardes in particular had several good looks before Djordje Mihailovic’s first-time finish off of a Corey Baird pullback deflected past goalkeeper Eddie Roberts and in.

Replacing Mihailovic in the 62nd minute, Sebastian Lletget was a lively presence in a second half cameo, at one point feeding Zardes for a golden opportunity at the tail-end of a marauding run through the midfield.

Walter Zimmerman and Christian Ramirez got on the scoresheet late to seal a feel good win for the Americans.