The U.S. Men’s National Team entered play on Friday night with something to prove, and prove something they did. After having earned just nine points from eight matches in the Hex, qualifying for the Men’s World Cup in 2018 was hardly guaranteed. Only a win would put the Stars and Stripes back in control of their own destiny to secure a spot in the tournament. As for their opponents, Panama could afford to split the points with the U.S. and close out their qualifying campaign next week against Costa Rica. However, winning would put the U.S. at the mercy of results from Honduras’ games to even have a chance at winning a spot for a playoff against either Australia or Syria and would be sweet revenge for the heartbreak dealt to Los Canaleros in the last qualifying campaign.
USA 4 - 0 Panama recap: A much needed win
