SportingKC.com's "Five Things" feature will highlight the top storylines, players to watch and more for upcoming matches.
The United States Men's National Team returns to World Cup Qualifying on Friday against Panama. Three Sporting KC players — Graham Zusi, Matt Besler, Benny Feilhaber — are on the roster. Live coverage of the match starts at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN2, Univision and WatchESPN. Here are five things to know for #USAvPAN.
Everything To Play For
With two matches left in the hex, this is a make-or-break time for the U.S. MNT. Heading into these final two qualifying matches, Mexico is the only team that has booked its spot in Russia. Costa Rica hasn't clinched their spot but is expected to do so with a home match against Honduras on Friday. That means the third and final spot is up for grabs between Honduras, Panama and the United States. Here are the current standings heading into Friday's matches.
<strong>Team</strong> |
<strong>Points</strong> |
<strong>Goal Difference</strong> |
Mexico (<strong>Q</strong>) |
18 |
+8 |
Costa Rica |
15 |
+7 |
Panama |
10 |
+2 |
United States |
9 |
+1 |
Honduras |
9 |
-7 |
Trinidad & Tobago |
3 |
-11 |
Q - Qualified for Russia 2018
Benny's Back
Benny Feilhaber is back with the U.S. MNT. His last appearance in a World Cup qualifying match was back in 2009 when the U.S. earned a 2-2 draw against Costa Rica. His ability to unlock defenses could help boost an attack that has struggled to consistently score goals during the qualifying campaign. While the team's overall tally of 12 goals scored is tied for most, half of those were in a 6-0 win over Honduras in March. Since that match, the U.S. has scored five goals in four games including a disappointing 2-0 home loss to Costa Rica.
Homecoming
The U.S. MNT playing in Orlando marks a kind of homecoming for defender Graham Zusi and midfielder Dax McCarty. Both players are central Florida natives who are expecting a strong home crowd for the red, white and blue. Zusi spoke with media on Monday stressing the team is focused and will be "ready on Friday.”
Player To Watch
Christian Pulisic (USA) - The young star is sure to attract a lot of interest from the Panamanian defense, but he is clearly the most dynamic and dangerous attacking player for the U.S. If he can be isolated on the wing in 1v1 situations, Pulisic can be the key to providing a spark for the attack.
Key To The Match
It may seem simple, but grabbing the lead in the first half will be crucial for the U.S. MNT. If they're able to score early and hold onto that lead at halftime, then the pressure shifts dramatically to the Panamanians. In the Hexagonal round, the Americans have not won a match when conceding the opening goal.
