The United States entered Saturday’s showdown against Panama undefeated in Gold Cup group stage matches with a record of 24-0-2, and having never lost to the Central American side, boasting a 6-0-2 record in the series.
History was made that night as Panama topped the Americans, 2-1, taking the front seat in Group C and all but securing a spot in the next round of the tournament.
“We’re very happy because it’s been a very hard victory,” said Panama manager Julio Cesar Dely Valdes through his translator. “We worked very hard for it and we’re absolutely happy because we made history.”
Panama put the pressure on early, nearly missing on several opportunities just minutes into the match.
A sluggish start for the Americans left them in an undesirable, yet familiar territory – playing from behind.
“Sometimes you just come out flat for whatever reason. At this level and against a good team you can’t do that,” said Landon Donovan. “Fortunately we’ve had some experience with this in the last few years. Some nights you come out flat and you don’t get punished but other nights you do.”
Nineteen minutes in, a Gabriel Gomez cross headed at goal was initially tipped by Howard but left lying at the foot of Juan Tejada, who made the finishing touches despite American defender Clarence Goodson’s presence.
“We allowed them the first goal and at that point their game plan becomes stronger,” said U.S. manager Bob Bradley. “When you put yourself behind you make it much more difficult. On the night, we were not good enough.”
The second goal came from yet another back line blunder in the 36th minute.
Tim Ream, who made his full team debut for the U.S. just seven months ago, was called for a careless tackle inside the box, giving Panama a penalty kick, and the chance to increase their lead.
“I went to clear it and as I was swinging I was already committed and he gave me a little nudge on my right side,” Ream said. “As I was swinging through I caught him.”
Gabriel Gomez buried the penalty, giving Panama a 2-nil lead, and leaving Yanks supporters in a panic going into the break.
The U.S. came out flat again in the second half, and the dream of a comeback was looking dimmer and dimmer. Looking for a spark up front, two changes were made at the hour mark as Alejandor Bedoya and Sacha Kljestan were brought on and Juan Agudelo and Jermaine Jones taken off.
“I think in the second half we put a lot into it,” said Bradley. “On the night in terms of executing in the final third, that part was clearly an area where we didn’t do well enough. We had some good chances, but none the less, not sharp enough in the areas that matter.”
It didn’t take long for the subs to make an impact. Right around the 60-minute mark, the Americans picked the tempo up began stringing together passes and creating opportunities.
A free kick from Donovan flicked on by Michael Bradley was put away by Goodson’s diving header, gave the U.S. a fighting chance at the 68th minute mark.
Opportunity after opportunity slipped away from the Stars and Stripes after a dominant second half performance.
“I think we had some periods when we connected passes,” Bradley said “I think we had the ball in some pretty good spots but didn’t finish the plays off well enough.”
Chris Wondolowski, who made his first Gold Cup appearance in the first match against Canada, marked the last hope for the Yanks subbing in for Goodson in the 78th minute.
Tremendous opportunities missed by both Wondolowski and Michael Bradley spelled the end of the road for Red, White and Blue, as the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
“Give Panama a lot of credit. They started the game well and took the initiative to be aggressive and make some plays,” said Donovan. “Some nights you come out flat and you don’t get punished but other nights you do. We learned a valuable lesson tonight and we’ve got to make sure we take that with us.”
Despite the loss, the U.S. still sits in second place in Group C, on top of Canada by goal differential.
The Americans continue their quest for its fifth Gold Cup title Tuesday at Livestrong Soccer Park in Kansas City as they take on Guadeloupe – the only side without a win in the group.
“We’re still fine,” Donovan reassured the U.S. “We just have to make sure we learn some lessons from tonight. Tuesday we’ve got to turn around and make sure we’re ready to play.”
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Contact Mark Clements at [email protected]