U.S. held to 1-1 tie by Panama in Gold Cup opener

NASHVILLE, TENN. » Dom Dwyer scored for the second straight game but Miguel Camarago’s goal gave Panama a 1-1 tie Saturday against the United States, the first time the Americans failed to win their opener in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

After scoring in his U.S. debut last weekend against Ghana, the England-born Dwyer put the Americans ahead in the 50th minute with a left-footed shot from 9 yards that went in off the far post. Dwyer, the husband of U.S. women’s team forward Sydney Leroux, ran onto a cross from Kelyn Rowe following a throwin by Jorge Villafana.

Panama put on immediate pressure, and Camargo sent a rebound past the outstretched right hand of Brad Guzan in the 60th minute after the goalkeeper saved an initial shot by Gabriel Torres that followed Edgar Barcenas’ cross.

The U.S. had won its previous 13 Gold Cup openers and dropped to 30-1-4 in Gold Cup group-stage play, with the lone defeat against Los Canaleros in 2011. The last four matches between the nations have ended in 1-1 ties.

“We didn’t play well on the day,” U.S. coach Bruce Arena said. “We didn’t deal well with their pressure, especially in the midfield.”

Next up for the U.S. is a Wednesday match against Martinique in Tampa, Florida. The Americans finish group play next Saturday against Nicaragua in Cleveland.

Like most nations, the U.S. is not using most of its top players in the 12-team tournament, preferring to test its junior varsity before World Cup qualifying resumes in September.