US Sneaks By Panama

Adu Penalty Kick the Difference

March 14, 2008

TAMPA, Fla. – Freddy Adu converted a penalty kick for the game’s only goal and the U.S. Under-23 men’s soccer team beat Panama, 1-0, to gain sole possession of second place in Group A in CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying.

To advance, the U.S. now needs a win or draw against Honduras in their final group match, or even just a Cuba loss to Panama in the opening match. The two matches will be played on Saturday, March 15 at Raymond James Stadium, with the U.S. game kicking off at 7 p.m. ET.

Freddy Adu

Freddy Adu scored on a PK for the Americans (CHRIS ADUAMA/aduama.com)

Adu converted the PK in the 42nd minute after Jozy Altidore was fouled inside the penalty area. Altidore ran onto a through ball from Eddie Gaven and drove in alone on Panama goalkeeper Jose Calderon. The speedy forward pushed the ball past the charging ‘keeper, leaving Calderon no choice but to pull him down. Adu stepped up to take the ensuing penalty and fired to the lower right corner, scoring his second goal in as many games.

“I'm really pleased with the effort,” said head coach Peter Nowak. “I think our team played with a lot of heart tonight and we got the result after a very hard fight on the field. We're going to recover now and make sure we're ready for the third game."

Panama put 11 players behind the ball and was determined not to allow the U.S. attack to penetrate on the dribble, forcing the U.S. to play around them. The American pressure continued with quick passes through the midfield breaking down the Panama defense that earned a series of corner kicks. Adu combined with Holden in the 12th minute and Sacha Kljestan in the 14th to earn corner kicks, but both were picked out of the air by Calderon.

In the 30th minute, the U.S. broke through when Adu found Eddie Gaven streaking down the right side. Gaven slotted the ball back, but Holden’s shot was blocked by a defender.

Panama’s most dangerous chances throughout the game came from free kicks. In the 36th minute, a long free kick was played dangerously into the box that Michael Orozco was able to head clear. In the second half, Panama earned a free kick from just outside the corner of Chris Seitz’s box, with Nelson Barahona sending in an in-swinger. Maurice Edu headed the effort out of bounds, and the ensuing long throw-in from Adolfo Machado was cleared away.

In the 74th minute, Holden took a direct shot on goal from outside the box on a free kick, curling it over the wall and toward the near post, forcing a diving save from Calderon. At the other end a minute later, Panama’s Barahona swung in a free kick that was cleared away.

Group B action continues on Friday, March 14, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Canada takes on Haiti and Mexico will face Guatemala. The eight-team CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament, which includes national teams at the Under-23 age level, will send the two finalists to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

U.S. UNDER-23 MEN’S GAME REPORT:

Scoring Summary:
USA – Freddy Adu (penalty) 42nd minute

Lineups:
USA: 1-Chris Seitz; 2-Marvell Wynne, 3-Michael Orozco, 5-Nathan Sturgis, 6-Maurice Edu (capt.); 7-Stuart Holden, 10-Dax McCarty, 16-Sacha Kljestan, 20-Eddie Gaven (8-Sal Zizzo, 64); 11-Freddy Adu, 12-Jozy Altidore

PAN: 1-Jose Calderon; 13-Adolfo Machado, 3-Reinaldo Anderson; 6-Erick Vasquez, 17-Manuel Bonilla, 8-Cristian Vega (16-Alberto Quintero, 52), 18-Reggie Arosemena; 9-Gabriel Torres (7-Erwin Aguilar, 71), 10-Nelson Barahona (19-Carlos Rodriguez, 84), 20-Eduardo Jiminez

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