The U.S. Men’s National Team moved within one win of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, defeating Panama 4-0 in Orlando, Fla. The Yanks tentatively claim the final CONCACAF automatic qualifying spot with one match remaining in the Hex, Tuesday Oct. 10 against last-place Trinidad & Tobago.
USMNT head coach Bruce Arena fielded an attack-laden lineup, featuring Christian Pulisic in the middle, with United midfielder Paul Arriola to his right. As a result, the U.S. outpaced and overwhelmed Los Canaleros in the attacking third, with Pulisic slashing down and around the Panamanian back four for a goal in the eighth minute and a well-placed set-up to Jozy Altidore for a second only eleven minutes later.
Altidore, playing in his 40th World Cup Qualifier, extended the U.S. lead to three with a cheeky panenka penalty kick conversion before the conclusion of the half.
Despite a stellar offensive start and holding a three-goal lead into the break, the U.S. decidedly trailed in possession and Los Canaleros nearly reduced the deficit on multiple close-range scoring opportunities. The match was put out of reach in the 60th minute when Arriola cut to the middle and into the box, leaving a soft touch for a back-to-goal Bobby Wood, who quickly turned and fired it past goalkeeper Jaime Penedo.
Arriola, making his second start of the Hex cycle and his third appearance, impressed again, especially in the final 45, finishing with an assist and one shot on goal. Coming off the flank, the 22-year-old also generated high-quality scoring chances in the 21st and 40th minute that the U.S. were not able to finish.
The Yanks finish out the Hex in Couva, needing a win to clinch third place. The U.S. could also benefit from Costa Rica stealing points against Honduras and their significant lead in the goal differential tiebreaker.
