ORLANDO - With the U.S. national team set to play a mammoth World Cup qualifier on Friday against Panama, the issue of home field advantage is still very much on the collective mind of the U.S. team.
Last month, the U.S. played Costa Rica at Red Bull Arena, and in the run-up there was concern that playing the game in the New York metropolitan area would allow plenty of Tico fans to attend, and blunt whatever home field advantage the U.S. had. The U.S. team's worst fears were realized. It ended up losing 2-0, with the Ticos' fans in full voice at the final whistle.