United States 5-1 Panama: Player Ratings as Paul Arriola, Jesus Ferreira and Christian Pulisic score
The United States men’s national team is one step closer to qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.
The American side triumphed 5-1 against Panama on Sunday at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida as goals from Paul Arriola, Jesus Ferreira and Christian Pulisic propelled the USMNT to success.
Chelsea figure Christian Pulisic kicked off the scoring minutes after the initial whistle after Anibal Godoy conceded a penalty. The Major League Soccer defender brought down Nashville SC teammate Walker Zimmerman by the neck inside the box, leading Pulisic to the penalty spot.
The USMNT continued to press high after the initial goal, seeing Antonee Robinson perfectly set up Paul Arriola in the center of the box. The FC Dallas forward saw the cross and headed the ball into the top right corner to double the score.
Jesus Ferreira followed up with the third goal as his right footed shot reached the right corner of the net.
Pulisic completed another penalty shot after Anibal Godoy once again conceded the call by fouling Antonee Robinson inside the box. But it was the midfielder’s 65 minute goal that rounded out his hat-trick.
Anibal Godoy managed to pull one back for Panama in the 86 minute, heading the ball past Zack Steffen to revive their World Cup hopes before being virtually eliminated with the final whistle.
The USMNT remains in second place on the Concacaf table with 25 points in 13 games, on the edge of securing their World Cup ticket. The team travels to Costa Rica on Wednesday for the final match of the qualifiers.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Zack Steffen (GK) - 6/10 - Shaky on the ball, loose defending before failing to stop the goal.
Shaquell Moore (RB) - 7.5/10 - Well done from a player called into camp at the very last minute, pushed forward but protected the backline.
Walker Zimmerman (CB) - 7.5/10 - Becoming a leader at the back and strong-willed, well defended by making 7 clearances and got the penalty.
Antonee Robinson (CB) - 8/10 - Great on the attack, completed two assists.
Miles Robinson (LB) - 8/10 - Strong defending, all duels won.
2. Midfielders
Tyler Adams (RW) - 7.5/10 - Dangerous on the ball when in play, quick touches were key and able to manipulate space well to push forward.
Yunus Musah (CM) - 7/10 - Has the capacity to be great, but must be more involved otherwise blends in.
Christian Pulisic (CM) - 9/10 - Hat-trick with two penalties and one goal.
Luca de la Torre (LW) - 7/10 - Provided stability to the midfield, not the most flashy performance but grounded the game when necessary.
3. Forwards
Paul Arriola (F) - 8.5/10 - Absolutely should be the first choice over Ricardo Pepi, a threat on the ball and got the goal/assist.
Jesus Ferreira (F) - 8.5/10 - Strong FC Dallas partnership with Arriola translated well in the National team setting, manipulated spaces well to push forward and got the goal.
4. Substitutes
Giovanni Reyna - 7/10 - An exciting player, breathes life and high energy when on the pitch.
Kellyn Acosta - 6/10 - Expected more, managed 19 touches in over 45 minutes of play.
Gianluca Busio - 6.5/10 - Still a young figure getting comfortable with the National team, but has potential.
Jordan Morris - 6/10 - Stable.
Aaron Long - 5/10 - Did the job, but his weaknesses show why he isnt on the starting line up.