USA Vs. Panama, 2011 Gold Cup Semifinals: USMNT Advances To Final On Clint Dempsey Goal

Resting Landon Donovan Was The Right Call - Hot Time In Old Town

Some saw Landon Donovan's omission from the starting lineup as a benching (me!!), but others weren't so sure. Hot Time in Old Town points out that Donovan did not look particularly sharp against Jamaica and not starting him against Panama means he should be just fine for Mexico.

I think Bob Bradley simply is giving Landon a bit of extra rest heading into the final. While it could be viewed as risky to start this game with him on the bench, the reality is that Mexico will likely win later tonight, setting up a great showdown between two rivals. And if I have to pick between a rested and fresh Donovan vs. Mexico or a 3/4 Donovan vs. Panama, I will always take the former. I think Landon has looked a bit sluggish of late, so sitting for an extra half will help keep him fresh heading into the final. It worked last game against Jamaica, where he was very dangerous, and I think it will work again in the final. Plus Landon has lots of experience against Mexico in big games, something many other USMNT players can't say. If Mexico does win as expected, playing them in a big game is a much different animal than it may seem.

Clint Dempsey's Goal: One Of USA's Best Ever? - Stumptown Footy

There's no denying that Clint Dempsey's game-winning goal against Panama was an absolute beauty. It wasn't just Dempsey's finish, either. In fact, it was more the set-up that really makes it great. It was so impressive that Stumptown Footy wonders if it is among the best goals an American has ever scored on the international stage:

In all honesty, it was probably one of more impressive American goals scored in recent memory. There was no bungling, no one-man heroics, PKs, freekicks, or lucky goals. This was a coordinated attack by a much more coordinated side that lead to a legitimate goal. These are the types of goals you expect from world soccer powerhouses and it was nice to see the US pull one off.

To be sure, there are some other contenders, but the idea that this was great because of the build up has some merit. Just think of the great goals in U.S. history, and it's hard to remember almost anything other than the finish. Do you know who got the ball to Landon Donovan against Algeria? How about Michael Bradley's goal against Slovenia? I'm sure there are other examples of quality American build-ups but none immediately come to mind.

USA Vs. Mexico, Gold Cup Final 2011: Honduras' Hard Play Helps Out The USMNT

Despite managing to lose 2-0 to a superior Mexico side in their Gold Cup semifinal, Honduras still did the United States a significant favor on Wednesday. The USA, of course, managed to beat Panama courtesy of a Clint Dempsey goal, setting up the almost inevitable final between the two major CONCACAF powers on Saturday. Bob Bradley's team didn't exactly look spectacular (when Freddy Adu saves the day, something has gone very wrong with Plan A), but thanks to Honduras' antics they'll be facing a roughed up Mexico side.

El Tri were forced into a monumentally physical 120 minutes of soccer by their semifinal opposition, and Honduras seemed to be going out of their way to cause injuries. They succeeded in forcing Andres Guardado, hitherto their best player in the competition, off with an ankle injury - he might not be fit for the final - but more than that, they managed to target and hit Mexico's skilled players hard all match.

That tactic eventually backfired when Roger Espinoza was sent off late on, but the USA won't mind. With just two days to recover for the match, Mexico's players are battered, bruised and exhausted. Honduras have given the hosts a huge leg up before the match has even started.

Gold Cup Final 2011, USA Vs. Mexico: Quick Info On Saturday's Big Game

We'll obviously have lots of content in the build-up to Saturday evening's 2011 Gold Cup Final between the United States and Mexico, but it's worth giving out some quick info so know what to look for. First of all the game will be broadcast on two stations in the United States. If you prefer watching your soccer with English language commentary, you can find the game on Fox Soccer Channel. If you prefer watching your soccer with Spanish commentary, you can watch the game on Univision. We'll make sure to post a reminder of the TV schedule on Saturday, along with TV information for our readers outside of the USA.

The game takes place at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA, and a crowd of 80,000 is expected to be on hand. The game kicks off at 6 pm local time, 9 pm ET. We'll have pre-game content all day on Friday and Saturday leading up to the game, so check on SB Nation Soccer in the build-up to kickoff on Saturday. We'll have coverage during and after the game as well.

On Saturday, grab some friends and some adult beverages (if you're an adult) and catch some soccer. This one should be a classic.

Yes, That Was Freddy Adu Looking Like A Stud

USA Vs. Panama: Freddy Adu Redemption An Incredible, Yet Heartwarming Shock

Freddy Adu has had a very odd career. He started as a 14 year old wonderkid at D.C. United, was ultimately disappointing and traded to Real Salt Lake, then was incredible at the 2007 Under-20 World Cup and sold to Benfica. He looked promising in his start at Benfica, but a series of unsuccessful loan spells have ensued since 2008. At AS Monaco and Belenenses, he was either downright poor or didn't play. For Aris and Rizespor, he had his bright spots. Still, most were stunned when Bob Bradley called in Freddy Adu to the Gold Cup squad. Even though he had begun to get his career back on track, he wasn't believed to be a national team option.

In the first three games of the Gold Cup, he didn't make the 18. Against Jamaica, Adu made the 18, but didn't make an appearance. When he came off the bench against Panama tonight, the public was absolutely stunned. Simply on the basis of the shock value of him making an appearance, he became a trending topic on twitter. Then things got interesting.

Freddy Adu not only played well, but was the best player on the pitch from when he entered the game until the final whistle. His ball to Landon Donovan started the move that created the winning goal, and his skill was instrumental in the United States keeping the ball and killing the clock at the end.

Could it be possible that Freddy Adu is back and better than he ever has been? My brain is going to explode.

VIDEO: Clint Dempsey Goal Also Means Landon Donovan, Freddy Adu Redemption

USA Vs. Panama, 2011 Gold Cup Semifinals: Final Score, USMNT Claims 1-0 Victory

The United States have claimed a 1-0 victory over Panama in the semifinals of Gold Cup, which is not the least bit surprising. The game winning goal was scored by Clint Dempsey, which is also not the least bit surprising. What is surprising is the manner that the goal was scored and the game was won, as Freddy Adu put in a fantastic performance and Landon Donovan provided the game winning assist...off the bench.

It's hard to tell whether this performance means that Landon Donovan will start the next match or if they'll keep him on the bench in the final based on results, but in any event, his performance in the second half was fantastic. Adu started the move that created the game winning goal in the second half with a fantastic through ball through two defenders, down the right flank to Donovan from the center of the pitch. Donovan ran onto the ball and found Dempsey at the far post, who touched the ball into the goal. The United States only created one goal, but it would be the only goal they needed.

Panama pushed forward and caused problems for the USMNT at the end of the game, but they never created a clear-cut goal scoring opportunity as the United States closed out the game. Dempsey was great for 90 minutes and Donovan was very good off the bench, but the real story of the game was the resurgence of Freddy Adu. He was spectacular off the bench, leaving United States fans wondering what's to come from the still only 22 year old playmaker.

There's still one more game tonight in Houston, as Mexico takes on Honduras in tonight's other semifinal. The winner of that game will face the United States this Saturday in the Gold Cup final at the Rose Bowl.

USA Vs. Panama, 2011 Gold Cup Semifinals: Clint Dempsey Scores, Landon Donovan And Freddy Adu Create

Who's laughing at Freddy Adu and Bob Bradley now? The inconsistent creative midfielder shocked everyone when he entered the game, but he was the catalyst for the goal that has the United States ahead 1-0 and en route to California for the Gold Cup final. Landon Donovan provided the assist while Clint Dempsey provided the finish, but Adu was the man who got the move started. Down by a goal with just over 12 minutes remaining, a tired looking Panama side will now have to chase the game.

The move started with a long ball out to the flank from the center of the pitch by Adu. He threaded the needle with his pass, beating multiple defenders and putting a ball into space that Landon Donovan could run on to. Donovan wasn't picked up on the wing and had plenty of time to pick out his pass, which he did brilliantly. The USMNT's No. 10 laid a great ball across the box and Dempsey touched in a poacher's finish at the far post, notching his third of the tournament to give the United States the lead.

USA Vs. Panama, 2011 Gold Cup Semifinals: Freddy Adu Enters. No I'm Not Trolling, I'm Serious.

I can't believe what I'm seeing...Freddy Adu is entering the game for the United States. In a must-win game, a Gold Cup semifinal against Panama, Bob Bradley has busted out Freddy Adu. The youngster (he's seriously only 22!) hasn't played for the United States since 2009, but apparently Bradley is desperate to get a creative player into the game. He played reasonably well in the Turkish second division with Rizespor this spring, but this is still a bit of a surprise.

Juan Agudelo is the man who has come off, and Clint Dempsey will move up top. Agudelo worked hard and played a decent game, but predictably, he was out-muscled on several occasions by the mountain of a man that is Felipe Baloy. It appears that Adu will play out on the wing opposite Alejandro Bedoya while Landon Donovan will stay in his attacking midfield role, behind Clint Dempsey in the hole.

USA Vs. Panama, 2011 Gold Cup Semifinals: Landon Donovan Enters For Sacha Kljestan

Bob Bradley has a reputation for waiting too long to make changes, but he hasn't waited at all tonight, bringing in Landon Donovan for Sacha Kljestan to start the second half. It wasn't necessarily a poor first half from Sacha Kljestan, but he didn't have a ton of influence on the game going forward, as most of the attacks came from wide areas or Juan Agudelo. Donovan is far and away the most experienced player in the team, and after starting his second consecutive game on the bench, he should be fresh.

Conventional wisdom says that Donovan will play on the wing opposite Alejandro Bedoya while Clint Dempsey moves to a central attacking midfield position, but it seems like Donovan will come in in a like for like change with Kljestan, playing in the exact same position behind Agudelo. That could (and probably will) change, but for now Donovan is a bit of a second striker.

USA Vs. Panama, 2011 Gold Cup Semifinals: Scoreless At Halftime

It's been a solid first half for the United States in their Gold Cup semifinal, but they have failed to create scoring chances and as a result, the score is tied 0-0 at halftime with Panama looking rather unambitious. There's only been one clear cut scoring chance for either team in the first half and it didn't even hit the target, which should tell you a lot about how this game is going. The USMNT has plenty of possession, but not a lot in the way of shooting opportunities.

The best chance of the game came in the 25th minute, courtesy of Steve Cherundolo. Getting forward from his right back position, Cherundolo put in a cross from the right flank to the near post, where Juan Agudelo was making a run. The young striker didn't get the best contact on the ball and hit it into the ground. The ball bounced up and hit the crossbar, but was eventually cleared away and the United States failed to capitalize.

Landon Donovan started this game on the bench, and with the United States failing to create a goal, it wouldn't be surprising to see him enter right away after halftime. Bradley usually likes to wait until later to make his substitutions, but he might make an exception in this case. Alejandro Bedoya has looked dangerous, but slightly predictable, while Sacha Kljestan's positive play has been more about breaking up Panama's counters than actually creating anything going forward. It wouldn't be surprising to see Donovan come in for either one of those players.

USA Vs. Panama, 2011 Gold Cup Semifinals: Juan Agudelo Header Hits Post

It's been all United States in the first 25 minutes of their Gold Cup semifinal against Panama, as the Panamanians are playing a deep midfield and allowing the United States to keep the ball. The USMNT aren't exactly playing a dominant game so far, but they've had it fairly easy. Panama haven't created any chances at all, while the United States have a majority of the possession. The USMNT were struggling to create chances of their own for a while, but things look like they might finally be going their way.

In the 25th minute, right back Steve Cherundolo put a great cross right onto the head of Juan Agudelo, who made a good near post run. Agudelo didn't make spectacular contact and hit the ball into the ground and off the crossbar. It looked like a great scoring opportunity, but Agudelo failed to make the most of it and the ball was eventually cleared away.

USA Vs. Panama, 2011 Gold Cup Semifinals: Lineups

If it ain't broke, don't fix it? The United States looked good in their Gold Cup quarterfinal match starting with Landon Donovan on the bench, and as a result, they're doing it again. It's possible that this is more of a positive than a negative reflection on Donovan; Bob Bradley might think his team has the best possible chance to win with Donovan's speed off the bench, but it's still slightly surprising. Donovan was benched last game because of a flight that got in late, but there's no reason to believe that he isn't 100 percent fit for this match. Here are the lineups.

United States lineup: Howard; Lichaj, Bocanegra, Goodson, Cherundolo; Bradley, Jones; Dempsey, Kljestan, Bedoya; Agudelo

Panama lineup: Penedo; Baloy, Henriquez, Torres, Machado, Gomez, Barahona, Henriquez, Cooper, Quintero, Tejada

Kickoff is at 7:00 pm ET, 6:00 pm local time from Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX. If you're wondering where Blas Perez is, he's suspended. That should help the United States' cause considerably, but they still shouldn't take Panama lightly.

USA Vs. Panama, 2011 Gold Cup Semifinals: Kickoff Time, TV Schedule, And More

The United States and Panama play a rematch in the Gold Cup semifinals tonight, and you can watch the game in English in just about any place English is spoken! Except the United Kingdom, or so it seems. It doesn't look like anyone has the TV rights there. Oh well, America, Canada, and Australia are all in luck. If you're an American that prefers to watch your footy in Spanish, you have options too. Lucky you! Here's all that good information you're looking for on USA vs. Panama.

USA vs. Panama

Time: 7:00 pm ET, 6:00 pm local

Venue: Reliant Stadium; Houston, Texas, USA

Television: Fox Soccer Channel (USA, English), Univision (USA, Spanish), Setanta Sports (Australia, Canada)

The winner of this game gets a date in Saturday's Gold Cup final against the winner of the second semifinal between Mexico and Honduras. Landon Donovan, who was not ready to go 90 minutes in the quarterfinals, will likely start for the US, while Blas Perez is out suspended for Panama. Advantage USMNT?

Jozy Altidore Out For Rest Of Gold Cup With Hamstring Strain

United States striker Jozy Altidore will miss the remainder of the Gold Cup after straining his hamstring. He suffered the injury early in the Americans' quarterfinal win over Jamaica when he was trying to run onto a long ball, only to pull up lame. He was stretchered off the field not long after and replaced by Juan Agudelo. A MRI in Houston, site of Wednesday's semifinal against Panama, confirmed the extent of the strain.

Per Gold Cup rules, the U.S. is not allowed to replace Altidore on their roster, leaving them with just two forwards. Agudelo is expected to start in the semifinals, but he is just 18 years old with eight caps and not even two times as many professional appearances. The other forward on the team, Chris Wondolowski, has just five caps and has already been plagued by his inability to finish chances this tournament.

If there was any question that head coach Bob Bradley would stay away from his preferred 4-4-2 formation and play a 4-2-3-1, like he did in the quarterfinals, this should just about seal it. Agudelo worked as the lone striker in that match and while he does still have some issues holding the ball up, his movement and activity did create space for the midfielders behind him. It should be enough for the Americans to get by the Panamanians in the semifinals, but in the final, if they have to play arch-rival Mexico, they could sure use the experience and toughness of Altidore.

With an expected return in four to six weeks, Altidore should not miss any matches with his club, Villareal. This is assuming that he returns to Villareal, who has loaned him out multiple times in recent years. His hamstring strain just creates another question mark in his club career, but on the international side there are no immediate question marks. His Gold Cup is over.

USA Vs. Panama, 2011 Gold Cup Semifinals: USMNT To Stick With 4-2-3-1 - Black And Red United

In their Gold Cup quarterfinal matchup against Jamaica, the United States went to a one striker formation with a band of three attacking midfielders behind Jozy Altidore, deploying the 4-2-3-1 formation that droves of fans have been calling for. Against Jamaica's three man back line, Bob Bradley's strategy worked about as well as he could have hoped. Despite a slow start, the USMNT dominated possession and eventually scored twice, notching a deserved 2-0 victory. Against Panama, don't expect too much to change.

Panama defeated the United States when the two teams met in the group stages, but a repeat of that game seems unlikely. Bob Bradley played a 4-4-2 setup that played into Panama's hands in that match, and as Martin Shatzer of Black And Red United explains, the 4-2-3-1 is here to stay, at least for this match.

Confidence is high with the U.S. since they dominated the run of play in the second half against Jamaica. Their passing was crisp, their possession was tidy, and they finally looked ready to play to their potential. We should expect to see the same formation and lineup for the U.S. as was on the field for a good chunk of the second half of that game - meaning that Landon Donovan will start in place of Alejandro Bedoya, and Juan Agudelo will start in place of Jozy Altidore as the lone forward in a 4-2-3-1 arrangement.

The one point of contention there is that Alejandro Bedoya will be dropped - Bradley could just as easily drop Sacha Kljestan and move Clint Dempsey into a central role, another thing a lot of fans have been calling for lately. That's nit-picky, though. The point is, the United States' change in formation is working for them, and it will likely produce a different result than the first Panama match.

While Black And Red United does some great USMNT work, their main gig is covering MLS team D.C. United. For news and analysis of the Black And Red, give them a bookmark. 

USA Vs. Panama, 2011 Gold Cup Semifinals: USMNT Ready For Rematch

On June 11, the United States put in one of their most embarrassing performances in recent memory. They were not only defeated by Panama, but they were outplayed. Outplayed by a team with okay talent, an average domestic league by CONCACAF standards, and only a couple of players who could crack the USMNT. At home. It was a poor showing, and since then, they have looked slightly improved, save for the finishing in the Guadeloupe game. Now, they get a shot at revenge in the Gold Cup semifinals.

Blas Perez, the striker who drew a penalty on Tim Ream in the first game, will not be playing after he picked up a red card for fighting in Panama's quarterfinal game against El Salvador. Panama have a respectable starting XI, but they're not a team that anyone would classify as deep. Striker is no exception, and the loss of Perez will be huge for a Panamanian team that can't be too thrilled with their star's antics.

The key player for Panama will continue to be central defender Felipe Baloy of Santos Laguna in the Mexican Primera, who is perhaps under-appreciated when people discuss CONCACAF's elite because he plays for Panama and he doesn't play in Europe. The powerful defender outplayed Jozy Altidore by a significant margin in the first meeting between these two teams, but Altidore will not be starting this game due to injury.

Instead, Baloy will be facing off against Chris Wondolowski or Juan Agudelo, a couple of completely different players. Wondolowski is a stronger player who will play with his back to goal a little more often than Agudelo, but Agudelo is the much quicker of the two. In either case, Baloy has the advantage, but depending on how the USMNT lines up, he could be marginalized to some degree.

The United States played with a 4-2-3-1 formation that featured an attacking band of Alejandro Bedoya, Clint Dempsey, and Sacha Kljestan in front of two holding midfielders and behind a striker. It seems safe to assume that Landon Donovan will come in for either Bedoya or Kljestan, but it's important which one he replaces.

If he replaces Bedoya, expect the general shape and tactics of the team to look exactly the same, just with a more experienced player on the wing. If he replaces Kljestan or - and this would be extremely bold - either of the two holding players, then all bets are off. Donovan could be a striker, Dempsey could move inside to the position Kljestan occupied against Jamaica, or something new could emerge.

More likely than not, Donovan will replace Bedoya and Agudelo will replace Altidore as Bob Bradley starts with a lineup that looks very much like the one that played for the majority of the game against Jamaica. He could throw a wrench in things, but with Altidore out and Donovan back, he doesn't have a wide variety of options.

The the bad taste lingering from their earlier defeat against Panama, the United States will probably be determined to get to the final and book a date with either Mexico or Honduras. Against a team that is without Blas Perez, their task should probably be much easier. However, Panama shouldn't be underestimated, since we all know how well that turned out last time.