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When looking at the U.S. men’s national team’s Copa America schedule, while the Uruguay match coming up may be the most anticipated matchup of the group stage, Thursday’s clash against Panama is the most important. When the United States were in the 2022 World Cup, they didn’t take care of business against Wales and it caused them to expend too much energy against Iran, leaving the team out of energy in the round of 16 against the Netherlands. If the USMNT can defeat Panama and go ahead early, not only can Gregg Berhalter pull some players early but he can also rotate against Uruguay with a spot in the knockout stage already secured. It’s always important to collect points early in group stage play and that’s just what the USMNT will aim to do.
Here are our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
United States: After a strong performance against Bolivia, it’s all about building on that in this match against Panama. Some players such as Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams do have room for improvement in the match but it’s just as important to let them play through their struggles. If Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun can find the back of the net again, the USMNT will advance to the knockout stages.
Panama: Michael Murillo is such an important player for Panama as he provides an outlet for Panama to play through. If they can get possession, Murillo will already be flying forward to be an outlet, and having played in MLS, he is familiar with some members of the USMNT. While the focus is on Adalberto Carrasquilla, being able to cut off his outlets is just as important.
As the pitch in Atlanta has drawn criticism from the Argentina national team, Gregg Berhalter talked about how he prepares the USMNT for playing on an unfamiliar pitch.
“For us, I don’t share the same views as the Argentina team because we just haven’t had that same experience so it’s very hard for us to judge that, but what I would say is that we prepare the guys and tell them to check their footwear, see how the ball is rolling see how the ball is bouncing,” Berhalter said. “Those are some important things that we instructed them on.”
It’s important that the USMNT adjust as some fields have run faster or slower which changes the dynamic of the attack but you don’t know until a game exactly how it will impact things.
Pulisic will again lead the USMNT to victory with a goal and an assist but Matt Turner will actually be tested in net by Panama. Pick: United States 2, Panama 1
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