Drawing on the road in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying is an adequate result. But the United States was capable of more. The 1-1 draw puts Panama at 3rd in the Hex with the United States a point behind with a 1-2-1 +1 record. As on Friday night, the attacking threats came via Christian Pulisic and Clint Dempsey.
Dempsey’s 39th minute goal gave the US a short-lived 1-nil lead. Assisting on the play was Pulisic, of course. The Dortmund mid dribbled past both Felipe Baloy and Roman Torres and then fed the ball to Clint.
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That goal lead would not last. Gabriel Gomez scored just minutes later. The match ended with that 1-1 scoreline.
The American central midfield was disjointed, both providing too little support for the defense and not enough support for Dempsey, Pulisic and the nearly touchless Jozy Altidore.
Subbing on Alejandro Bedoya, Kellyn Acosta and Paul Ariolla Bruce Arena attempted to push for a goal late. The changes did not have time to take effect.
Clint Dempsey went a full 90, for 180 minutes in the two qualifiers. Roman Torres also went 180 in the two matches, while showing a bit of cramping late in the home draw. It is unlikely either will be able to start for the Seattle Sounders on Friday night against Atlanta United.