U.S. suffers historic tie in opener
Dwyer scores for the second straight game, but Panama gets Gold Cup equalizer.
NASHVILLE — For the first time, the United States failed to win its CONCACAF Gold Cup opener.
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 10minute 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, the England-born Dwyer scored in the 50th minute with a leftfooted shot from nine 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.
Panama put on immediate pressure and scored after Rowe was beating down the f lank 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.
Next up for the U.S. is a Wednesday match against Martinique in Tampa, Fla. The Americans finish group play next Saturday against Nicaragua in Cleveland. Martinique beat Nicaragua 2-0 in Saturday’s second game in Nashville.