PREVIEW – The United States Men’s National Team got a win in their opening game of the Copa America. They outplayed Bolivia to a 2-0 win as expected. They missed some chances and probably should had another goal or two. But they got the result. This Thursday in Atlanta, Georgia they play Panama. Los Canaleros lost their first game against Uruguay with three goals (one of them, two for Uruguay) after the 85th minute. With that, let’s do a USMNT Panama lineup prediction.
USMNT Panama Lineup Prediction for June 27
Let’s start with what the lineup was for Gregg Berhalter against Bolivia. Last Word was nearly perfect with Tyler Adams starting in midfield. He was subbed off at halftime for Yunus Musah. Johnny Cardoso, Ricardo Pepi, Luca de la Torre, and Brenden Aaronson also made it into the game. Musah did well. Pepi could have had a goal or two, but his finishing was not there like it was for Florian Balogun and Christian Pulisic.
There’s been no injury reports out of camp or any roster changes. The one question mark was the fitness of Adams. He was decent movement wise in his 45 minutes, albeit with the U.S. dominating the ball. Berhalter has to be thinking about that third game against Uruguay this Monday. On paper it should decide the group winner and runner up. A bit of squad rotation and some contingency plans could work. Granted, Berhalter’s tinkering has not always been successful.
USMNT Panama Lineup Prediction:
GK – Matt Turner
RB – Joe Scally
CB – Chris Richards
CB – Tim Ream
LB – Antonee Robinson
RM – Weston McKennie
CM – Tyler Adams
LM – Giovanni Reyna
LW – Tim Weah
CF – Ricardo Pepi
RW – Christian Pulisic
Berhalter’s shown that he doesn’t mind rotating strikers between games. Pepi has more experience playing against the second tier Concacaf teams. Granted, if he misses chances and the Yanks aren’t winning at halftime, there should be a short leash. Panama tried to press Uruguay on Sunday, so don’t expect a change at the back. Continuity will be key to breaking that press and initiating attacks.
If they have the game under control, expect Berhalter to make more than one sub before the hour mark. Pulisic, Reyna, and Adams not playing 90 minutes will really help them go for it against Uruguay.
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Jun 23, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; United States forward Christian Pulisic (10) in action during the game between the United States and Bolivia in a 2024 Copa America match at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports