Panama fights back to tie with Americans

NASHVILLE, Tennessee — For the first time, the United States failed to win its CONCACAF Gold Cup opener. The U.S.’s disappointing result could be blamed on its inability to protect a lead.

Dom Dwyer scored for the second straight game but Miguel Camargo’s goal gave Panama a 1-1 tie Saturday, ending a streak of 13 straight wins by the Americans in their opener of soccer’s North and Central American and Caribbean championship.

Camargo’s 60th-minute goal capped a dominant 10-minute stretch for Panama after Dwyer had put the U.S. ahead.

“It’s just unfortunate,” U.S. midfielder Alejandro Bedoya said. “It’s frustrating, it’s disappointing.”

After getting a goal in his American debut last weekend against Ghana, England-born Dwyer scored in the 50th minute with a left-footed shot from nine yards that went in off the far post. Dwyer, husband of U.S. women’s team forward Sydney Leroux, ran onto a cross from Kelyn Rowe following a throw-in by Jorge Villafana.

Dwyer joined teammate Paul Arriola in scoring goals in his first two international matches, a feat accomplished by nine Americans since 1916.

“I love playing with great players, and this is definitely a higher level than club football,” Dwyer said. “You’ve got all the best players around you. So, I think, if I’m on a good team, I’m going to score.”

Panama put on immediate pressure and scored after Edgar Barcena crossed to Gabriel Torres.

Brad Guzan saved Torres’s shot but Camargo sent a rebound past the goalkeeper’s outstretched right hand.

“It just comes down to a lapse of concentration,” Bedoya said.

The U.S. dropped to 30-1-4 in Gold Cup group-stage play. The last four matches between the U.S. and Panama have ended 1-1.