U.S. gears up for Panama

Sat., June 16, 2007

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The United States won the last Gold Cup in a penalty-kick shootout over Panama. The Americans expect another tough game against the same team today in the quarterfinals.

“We are getting a good team in Panama,” U.S. forward Landon Donovan said Friday. “They’re super athletic. They like to run. You want to play good teams.”

The Americans won all three games during group play, finishing first in Group B while outscoring opponents 7-0. Panama went 1-1-1 and finished third in Group C. It could have finished higher but lost to Mexico 1-0 on Wednesday night.

Panama could have trouble scoring again since the United States is the only team that hasn’t allowed a goal in the tournament involving nations from North and Central America and the Caribbean. But today’s nightcap at Gillette Stadium – following the quarterfinal between Canada and Guatemala – could be more wide open than past games.

“We expect a fast-paced, physical game,” U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. “We certainly go into the game understanding they are a tough opponent.”

Panama wasn’t supposed to be tough in 2005 but made it to the Gold Cup championship game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. That was scoreless after regulation play before the Americans prevailed.

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U.S. gears up for Panama

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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