The U.S. National Team has already clinched the top spot in Group A for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. But that won’t keep Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann from putting the team’s best foot forward for its match tonight against Panama as it closes out the Group Stage at Sporting Park in Kansas City.
“The approach is picking up more rhythm, going for another three points, and finishing off the group with three wins,” Klinsmann told the media after the group-clinching match against Haiti on Friday. “We take that very seriously. We also know we have influence on who is going through, so we are not taking our foot off the pedal there. We will give it a very good game and keep on building confidence and fine tuning elements and improve our game.”
The U.S. has faced Panama four times in the last two years, including a win in the final match of 2014 World Cup qualifying that eliminated Panama from contention for Brazil when Graham Zusi and Aron Johannsson scored two stoppage-time goals to give the U.S. a 3-2 win. The U.S. also beat Panama 1-0 in the Gold Cup final in 2013 and holds a 12-1-2 all-time record.
The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. MT and fans are invited to attend a watch party at the America First Pavilion at Rio Tinto Stadium. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. MT and the free event will feature live music, Snap Daddy's BBQ, Braza Bowlz, Mekong on Wheels, and Rickle's food trucks, Pepsi products, tons of RSL prize giveaways and a playground for the kids.
MORE GOLD CUP NOTES
On Sunday, RSL defender Elias Vasquez helped the Guatemala defense shut out red-hot Mexico in a scoreless draw in Arizona. Mexico won its first match 6-0 against Cuba, but couldn’t repeat that offensive outpouring against Vasquez and Guatemala.
In other Gold Cup action, RSL forward Alvaro Saborio assisted on Bryan Ruiz’s goal to give Costa Rica a second half lead over El Salvador. However former RSL midfielder Arturo Alvarez set up the stoppage-time equalizer as the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Costa Rica (2 points) and El Salvador (2 points) are now second and third, respectively, in Group B behind Jamaica (4 points), who topped Canada (1 point) 1-0 on Saturday. RSL defender Demar Phillips remains with Jamaica, but has yet to appear in the tournament.
