In its final group-stage game at the Concacaf Gold Cup, the United States national team came out flat and was forced to rally for a draw against a motivated Panama squad. In all three games at the tournament, Coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad has been outplayed early, and with the knockout stage set to begin this weekend, there is little margin for error.
Before Monday’s game in Kansas City, Kan., the United States team knew it had won Group A, whereas Panama needed victory to clinch a berth in the quarterfinals. From the opening whistle, Panama dominated the game, and its goal from Blas Pérez in the 34th minute was deserved.