The USMNT has released its lineup for Friday night’s big World Cup qualifying match against Panama, and it’s an attacking one.
USMNT goes with a very attacking lineup against Panama
Geoff Cameron has been dropped, while Paul Arriola gets a surprise start.
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
DeAndre Yedlin has returned to the back line after battling multiple injuries, but Geoff Cameron has been left out. Cameron struggled against Costa Rica during the last break, but his omission from the lineup is still a surprise. In goal, Tim Howard gets the nod over Brad Guzan.
Instead of opting for a three-man center or Kellyn Acosta in the center, Bruce Arena has stuck to his guns, starting Darlington Nagbe next to Michael Bradley, giving the latter a ton of defensive responsibility. Christian Pulisic will presumably play on the left wing, with Paul Arriola having played almost exclusively on the right in his career. Up top, Jozy Altidore and Bobby Wood resume their partnership.
Panama has opted for experience over speed with its lineup, as Gabriel Torres and Blas Perez — 35 and 36 years old, respectively — start up top.
United States lineup: Tim Howard; Jorge Villafaña, Matt Besler, Omar Gonzalez, DeAndre Yedlin; Christian Pulisic, Darlington Nagbe, Michael Bradley, Paul Arriola; Jozy Altidore, Bobby Wood
Panama lineup: Jaime Penedo; Michael Murillo, Roman Torres, Felipe Baloy, Luis Ovalle; Édgar Barcenas, Gabriel Gomez, Anibal Godoy, Alberto Quintero; Gabriel Torres, Blas Perez
The game kicks off at 7:35 p.m. ET. You can catch it on ESPN2 and Univision.
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