Dwyer’s score wasted in tie
Draw ends streak of 13 victories in opening matches
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — For the first time, the United States failed to win its CONCACAF Gold Cup opener.
Blame this disappointing result on an 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 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, the England-born Dwyer scored 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 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. “It’s international football, so you’ve got all the best players around you. So, I think if I’m on a good team, I’m going to score goals.”
Panama put on immediate pressure and scored after Rowe was beating down the flank and Edgar Barcena crossed to Gabriel Torres. Brad Guzan saved his initial shot but Camargo sent a rebound past the goalkeeper’s outstretched right hand.
“It just comes down to a lapse of concentration,” Bedoya said.