Quick Recap

Megan Rapinoe didn’t see a minute on the field, but she wasn’t needed as the United States cruised to a second straight win, beating Panama 5-0.

Carli Lloyd wore the captain’s armband and claimed a hat-trick. The win puts United States virtually into the semi-final stage of the CONCACAF Women’s Championship and one step closer to clinching a spot for next summer’s World Cup. Goals from Sam Mewis (6th minute) and Christen Press (32nd minute) round out the remaining United States goals.

It was decisive as expected by the United States, but the game saw quite the performance by Panama’s 17-year old goalkeeper Yenith Bailey who endured a barrage of shots and an inadvertent knee to the stomach from Lloyd.

Next up for United States is Trinidad & Tobago for their final group stage match, scheduled for Wednesday, October 10.

Fresh off a dominating win against Mexico this past Thursday, the United States Women’s National Team return to the field today for the second matchday of the CONCACAF Women’s Championship, taking on Panama.

Seattle Reign FC forward Megan Rapinoe spearheaded the US attack against Mexico, claiming a brace (goals in the 3rd & 70th minute) and an assist (57th minute to Alex Morgan) as part of the 6-0 win. To no one’s surprise, Rapinoe claimed Woman of the Match honors.

After the first slate of matches, United States sit atop their group comfortably with that +6 goal differential. Next for them is Panama, who are second in the group table after they beat Trinidad & Tobago 3-0. Panama dominated that match visually and statistically. They are virtually unknown on the soccer field as today’s match will only be the second meeting between United States and Panama in a CONCACAF tournament, but entering today’s match second in the group (with United States, Mexico, and Trinidad & Tobago) has them in good position to make it to the knockout stages and perhaps can go further and clinch one of the three spots for next summer’s World Cup, which would be their debut at the game’s biggest tournament.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it should be the theme for the United States lineup this afternoon, though don’t be too surprised if there’s some rotation among Jill Ellis’ starting eleven. Maybe your 2018 NWSL Most Online Player Emily Sonnett gets the start instead of coming on as a sub. Maybe Mallory Pugh gets start. That said, Rapinoe should feature again because we just cannot get enough of Megan Rapinoe doing Megan Rapinoe Things (trademark pending).

Lineups

Well scratch that as it’s heavy rotation for the United States starting eleven today. Though the graphic does not list it, Megan Rapinoe is an available sub per US Soccer’s lineup post here.

And here’s how Panama lines up today.

How to Watch

Date/Time: Sunday, October 7 @ 2 PM PST

Location: Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park — Cary, North Carolina

TV: FOX Sports 1, Univision Deportes

Streaming: FOX Sports Go
Note: Cable authentication will be needed

Join the Discussion

This is your USWNT gamethread — join us in the comments as the match unfolds and keep an eye out on the @rovalks twitter feed for astute commentary of when Megan Rapinoe does Megan Rapinoe Things and more!