The United States and Panama went head to head Monday night (July 13) at the 2015 Gold Cup Group A closing match, which ultimately ended in a 1-1 tie between the teams.
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Panama’s Blas Perez beat U.S.A. defender John Brooks to the spot, giving Panama the 1-0 lead 34 minutes into the game. The goal immediately prompted America to step their game up, turning the already heated bout into a very physical one. Around the 41-minute mark, U.S.A. teammates Alejandro Bedoya and Chris Wondolowski got caught in a three-man collision with a player from Panama who took Bedoya down from behind. Some critics called the move unwarranted but the referee did not call out a foul.
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Blas Perez beats John Brooks to the spot, gives Panama the 1-0 lead. #GoldCup2015 http://t.co/GU5Gfyru3w
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 14, 2015
Despite the downfall, America’s general Michael Bradley came back during the 55-minute mark to swiftly score the closing tie goal. Both teams pushed for an equalizer, yet neither succeeded in breaking the deadlock. In other words, Panama now anxiously awaits results in Group B and C to determine whether their tournament will even continue, while the U-S of A scout the final group stage matches ahead of Saturday’s game in Baltimore.
Michael Bradley scores off a fine assist by Alejandro Bedoya. #GoldCup2015 http://t.co/2VdwkQvaZx
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 14, 2015