Rough stuff riles Arena
PANAMA CITY — Team USA coach Bruce Arena accused Panama of roughing up teenage star Christian Pulisic after their physical World Cup qualifying battle ended 1-1 on Tuesday.
Clint Dempsey scored his fourth goal in two games to give the US a point as it aims to get its qualification campaign back on track following the sacking of Juergen Klinsmann in November.
The 34-year-old Dempsey, who marked his international return by sniping a hattrick in a 6-0 trouncing of Honduras last week, again vindicated Arena’s decision to recall him by tucking away a 39th-minute goal after a superb run by Borussia Dortmund’s Pulisic.
But American hopes of an away victory were dashed when they conceded a soft equalizer by Gabriel Gomez in the 43rd minute.
Arena said he was satisfied with the result and pleased with the performance of 18-year-old Pulisic, who was on the receiving end of some uncompromising tackles.
“Panama thought there was a bullseye on his back and they went after him from the first minute all the way through,” Arena said of Pulisic.
“He has to learn that the referee won’t always protect him. But he did well and he came through it.
“Pulisic plays in a big league with a big club team and a big competition. It’s part of the process, I think. Probably players are better protected in his club competition.
“It’s all part of the learning curve for him. Next time round will be better for him.”
Pulisic created the opening goal for the US by twisting and turning his way past two Panana players before laying down a perfect pass for Dempsey to finish.
But that moment of magic was canceled out shortly afterwards when the US failed to deal with a long throw and Gomez jabbed home past veteran goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Panama came closest to grabbing a winner when a superb reflex save from Howard denied Luis Tejada.
The draw left Panama third in the CONCACAF standings with five points from four games. The US is one point back, in fourth.
Mexico tightened its grip on top spot after a maiden international goal from Diego Reyes sealed a 1-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain.
The Mexicans remain unbeaten with 10 points at the summit of the six-team qualifying competition for North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
After drawing with bottom side Honduras on Tuesday, second-place Costa Rica trails Mexico by three points.