A fully-rotated US men’s national team benefited from a Jozy Altidore goal to beat Panama, 1-0, Wednesday night at Children's Mercy Park, the home of Sporting Kansas City, to win Group D of the Concacaf Gold Cup.
After plenty of miscues in the first half, the breakthrough arose in the 66th minute via Altidore, who scored his first USMNT goal in 20 months. A Djordje Mihailovic corner kick was driven to the back post, where Matt Miazga headed back across goal. Altidore, facing his own net, smashed home on the doorstep with a bicycle kick.
With a first-choice XI rested, the US defense still stood tall, as goalkeeper Sean Johnson was only forced into one save. That was representative of the entire match, with clear-cut chances scarce beyond Altidore’s goal.
The US finished the group stage with no goals conceded and a plus-11 goal differential, coming a long way from two pre-Gold Cup friendly losses.
Goals
- 66' – USA – Jozy Altidore | WATCH
Three Things
MOMENT OF THE MATCH:
While not a goal or a save, the standing ovation Christian Pulisic’s introduction prompted certainly stands out. By entering the match, it showed Berhalter wasn't content with a draw, instead wanting to enter the knockout round with another win.
Next Up
- PAN: Sunday, June 30 vs. Jamaica, Gold Cup quarterfinals (5:30 pm ET | FS1, Univision, UDN)
- USA: Sunday, June 30 vs. Curacao, Gold Cup quarterfinals (8 pm ET | FS1, Univision, UDN)