I elected to leave the back 4 unchanged because they performed admirably in the last few games and I think consistency is ver important for a defense.
Since Jermaine Jones is out with a concussion, I decided to give the nod to Stuart Holden in the holding midfielder spot next to Bradley. My feeling is that traditionally Holden has been a more dynamic player than any of the other options (Cameron, Edu, Kljestan). And against a team like Panama, who will sit back and absorb the US pressure, his ball skills and combination play will be key.
The other major change in the midfield is putting Joe Corona in for the suspended Graham Zusi. I believe Corona's skill, speed and 1v1 ability will help stretch the Panamanian defense and provide the width that Zusi has been giving the team during the last few games.
Finally, an in form and confident Jozy Altidore is a no brainer at striker.
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Ian McKinny-Wood
almost 13 years
I elected to leave the back 4 unchanged because they performed admirably in the last few games and I think consistency is ver important for a defense. Since Jermaine Jones is out with a concussion, I decided to give the nod to Stuart Holden in the holding midfielder spot next to Bradley. My feeling is that traditionally Holden has been a more dynamic player than any of the other options (Cameron, Edu, Kljestan). And against a team like Panama, who will sit back and absorb the US pressure, his ball skills and combination play will be key. The other major change in the midfield is putting Joe Corona in for the suspended Graham Zusi. I believe Corona's skill, speed and 1v1 ability will help stretch the Panamanian defense and provide the width that Zusi has been giving the team during the last few games. Finally, an in form and confident Jozy Altidore is a no brainer at striker.