U.S. tops Panama; Shines light of hope for WC Qualification
by: Kevin Amerlan on October 9, 2017
Ahh the good ol’ international break! The weekend of soccer that even soccer fans typically don’t pay much mind to. However, this past weekend was a drastically different story for U.S. soccer fans. While we’d all usually complain about this weekend, myself included, we found ourselves nervously anticipating the festivities of Friday night in Orlando. And no, I’m not talking about a night out on the town. I am talking about a monumental fixture in the form of the U.S. Men’s National Team vs. Panama. Entering this match in 4th place with a measly 9 points, there was much at stake for the Stars and Stripes. Lose; and put the fate of our 2018 world cup qualification in the hands of another team in the Hex (CONCACAF). Win; and all but secure our place and book our ticket to Russia next summer.
Shortly after kickoff, backed by 25,000 supporters, Christian Pulisic decided he would help us on the easy road to Russia. Bagging a goal in the 8th minute, the 19-year-old wonder boy from Hershey, Pennsylvania, gave the men in red a dream start. Just over 10 minutes later, Pulisic would set up Jozy Altidore for a tap in that would prove to deflate the Panamanians. A (penalty) goal just before halftime (Altidore) and another shot netted in the second half (Wood) resulted in a very convincing 4–0 win for the United States.
That win gives the USMNT a 93% chance of qualification on Tuesday as they go head-to-head against Trinidad and Tobago. While the formula for US qualification simplified drastically on Friday, there is that pesky 7% chance of non-qualification. To put things straightforward, a win will solidify our right to a spot in the 2018 World Cup, one point from a draw, realistically, would also do. A loss could complicate things if Panama or Honduras win their games which would drop the US into 4th and force a two leg play-off game against either Australia or Syria. And while Syria and Australia are both lovely countries, we’d really rather not participate in that. Trust me.
Luckily, in our last two meetings in World Cup Qualifiers with T&T we’ve boasted a solid 6–0 goal differential. So if time is any reliable reference, then ladies and gentlemen prepare to let the champagne flow Tuesday night and celebrate. Oh, and don’t forget to call into work sick on Wednesday morning.
Cheers!
