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John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images
In the first match under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the United States men’s national team defeated Panama in a friendly on Saturday night by the score of 2-0.
The USMNT was able to earn some revenge after previously falling to Panama in the Copa América group stage on June 27. The U.S. squad failed to advance to the knockout stage following the loss, which ultimately led to the firing of former manager Gregg Berhalter.
There initially appeared to be some skepticism regarding changes under Pochettino following a scoreless first half, although it it didn’t take long for the United States to get on the board under the 52-year-old once the second half started.
Following a give-and-go from
Brenden Aaronson and Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah scored off a slick feed
from Pulisic to break the tie in the 49th minute.
Panama nearly got on the board a few minutes later, but the USMNT maintained the lead following a double save by Matt Turner.
Ricardo Pepi cemented the victory for the U.S. squad in stoppage time, as he scored off a low cross from Haji Wright.
Fans praised the performance from the team as well as Pochettino.
Stefano Fusaro @S_Fusaro
Job well done for the <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/USMNT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#USMNT</a> in Pochettino’s first match in charge. Starting to see his ideas on the pitch. Great effort from the players. Great performances for Pulisic, Turner, Musah, Jedi & Pepi. 2-0 over Panama. Mexico away up next. Breaking it down on <a href=”https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@CBSSportsGolazo</a> now.
Justin Ruderman @JustinRuderman_
<a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/USMNT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#USMNT</a> win first game under Pochettino <br><br>It wasn’t always pretty but the 2-0 victory over Panama showed positive signs of intended changes. Work to be done to adjust to the new system.
The USMNT will be back in action for a matchup with rival Mexico on Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET.