The USMNT needed to whoop on Panama tonight, and they got off to a thrilling start, unzipping the Panamanian defense twice in the first 20 minutes and adding a penalty right before halftime. The entire first half was a thrilling affair despite the soggy Orlando pitch, and there could have been at least half a dozen goals scored.
First, Christian Pulisic owned Panama’s foreboding center backs then squiggled past Jaime Penedo for a sumptuous opener.
A few minutes later, Pulisic sent a perfect little pass in that even Jozy Altidore couldn’t whiff.
Altidore slammed the door at the end of the half after Bobby Wood drew a penalty.
The USMNT should probably have scored at least two more goals (which Bruce Arena noted), although their defense hasn’t exactly been airtight. This thing felt like a 2-2 game in the 85th minute for the entire first half, so the next 45 should be suitably bonkers
And here’s Bobby Wood’s goal that slammed the door shut on a 4-0 win.