Howard scores, U.S. draws with Panama in World Cup qualifying

Christian Pulisic made an outstanding individual move to steal the ball, spin a defender and feed Clint Dempsey for his 56th international goal, and the United States hung on for an important 1-1 draw against Panama in World Cup qualifying.

Dempsey’s 39th-minute goal on a warm and humid night moved him within one of Landon Donovan’s American scoring record, but the lead did not last long. Gabriel Gomez tied the score four minutes later following a throw-in.

Tim Howard thwarted Luis Tejada with a between-the-legs stop in the 59th minute, at 38 providing another top night in goal.

■ ARGENTINA: FIFA banned Lionel Messi from Argentina’s next four World Cup qualifying games for insulting a match official. Hours after the announcement, Argentina lost 2-0 to Bolivia and heightened its risk of missing a spot at Russia 2018.