It's all gone wrong for the United States in the first half of their Gold Cup match against Panama, and their opponents have a well deserved 2-0 lead. Central defenders Clarence Goodson and Tim Ream have impressed with their distribution when they have played recently, but their actual defending was terrible in the first half of this game, which explains the score.
Most expected the USMNT to get through this Gold Cup group with nine points in minimal incident, but after the first 45 minutes tonight, that appears to be incredibly unlikely. Unless, they can produce miracles in the second half, they will likely go to Kansas City with some serious pressure on against Guadeloupe.
The first goal came following a free kick and was practically gifted to Panama, as Eduardo Dasent was completely unmarked on the far post as he headed a cross on goal. Tim Howard made a save, but the ball was knocked into the path of Clarence Goodson and Luis Tejada, then deflected in by one of them. It appeared to be an own goal, but Tejada has been credited with the goal.
Tim Ream gifted Panama the second goal, taking down Blas Perez in the box with a terrible attempt at a 50-50 ball. Gabriel Gomez stepped up to take the penalty and converted, and that's why Panama has gone into halftime with a 2-0 lead.