United States of America 3 - Panama 2

Photo by Arnulfo Franco

Panama were at home in Panama City and needed a win against United States of America coupled with a Costa Rica win against Mexico in order to qualify for the intercontinental playoffs.  The Yanks' squad was full of second-stringers looking to make their way into the squad at next summer's tournament finals.  American left back Edgar Castillo made an awful pass in his final third that was easily picked off by Humberto Quintero.  Quintero hit a through ball by Castillo into Marcos Sanchez, who touched off for Gabriel Torres.  Torres executed a no-frills finish to make it 1-0.  Panama had chances to extend their lead, but they did not take them.  Panama took a vital 1-0 lead with them into their locker room.

Second half substitute Brad Davis proved to be the man of the match for the Americans.  His corner sailed just over Clarence Goodson's head, but Goodson's leap unsighted Panama defender Carlos Rodriguez.  This allowed Michael Orozco to nod a free header into the goal to level the match.  Two Panama substitutes linked up to put their team ahead with only seven minutes left in regulation.  Roberto Chen made a run to the end line before hitting desperately back across the box.  United States goalkeeper Brad Guzan tried to catch the ball, but he could only tip it.  Panama substitute Luis Tejada was alert and able to tap home the short rebound for 2-1.  Coupled with Costa Rica's lead, this goal would be enough to send Panama into the playoffs, and a pressing question began to swirl in the minds of many.  Would the United States lie down in order to eliminate their eternal rivals Mexico?  The answer was a resounding "no!"  In stoppage time, Davis provided an inch-perfect cross from the left flank that allowed Graham Zusi to rise high and head into the near side netting for the late equalizer.  Jairo Jimenez had mistakenly chosen to double team the ball rather than go with the run of Davis, and his side paid a hefty price.  Panama had had their heart ripped out, so the Americans took advantage one minute later.  Terrence Boyd played a pass to Aron Johannsson (pictured, white #9), who took a touch to his right foot before curling his first international goal into the near lower corner.  Tejada was given a second yellow card for a late tackle, leaving only ten Panamanians on the pitch at the conclusion of the match.  The miraculous turnaround in stoppage time results in a 3-2 victory for the United States that sends archrivals Mexico a lifeline in the form of a berth in the intercontinental playoffs.  Panama are eliminated in a match that two minutes prior to its conclusion would have kept them afloat in their quest for Brasil 2014.

USA 22 pts IN
Costa Rica 18 pts IN
Honduras 15 pts IN
Mexico 11 pts
Panama OUT
Jamaica OUT

Goals
United States of America
Michael Orozco 64
Graham Zusi 90+2
Aron Johannsson 90+3

Panama
Gabriel Torres 18
Luis Tejada 83

Match Reports:
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/usa/story/panama-2-3-united-states-world-cup-qualifier-review-yanks-end-wild-campaign-101513
http://soccer.si.com/2013/10/16/usa-panama-concacaf-world-cup-qualifying/?sct=sc_t11_a1

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxAonpKPU1E