In the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals, the United States and Panama both established commanding positions with impressive 3-0 victories in their respective first-leg matches, putting them one step closer to the semi-finals and, consequently, securing berths in next year’s Copa America.
In a late surge at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, the United States secured a victory over Trinidad and Tobago. Antonee Robinson played a pivotal role with a goal and an assist, as the United States found the back of the net three times in the final 10 minutes of regular time, establishing a comfortable lead ahead of the return leg on Monday.
While the United States dominated proceedings from the start, they struggled to breach a resilient Trinidad and Tobago defense. However, a second yellow card for Trinidad and Tobago’s Noah Powder in the 37th minute left the Soca Warriors with 10 men, prompting the United States to push forward aggressively in search of the opening goal.
Stout defense
Trinidad and Tobago, particularly goalkeeper Denzil Smith, put up a stout defense, making critical saves, including stops on attempts by Yunus Musah and Sergino Dest. Nevertheless, their resistance crumbled in the 81st minute when Robinson’s cross from the left wing was deftly flicked in by Ricardo Pepi, giving the home side a 1-0 lead.
The goal not only energized the United States but also disheartened the Trinidadians, leading to defensive lapses. Robinson, minutes after providing the assist, added a goal of his own with a powerful left-footed finish in the 86th minute. The United States sealed the 3-0 victory in the 89th minute when Gio Reyna capitalized on a pass from Folarin Balogun to find the back of the net.
Panama continued their dominance over Costa Rica with a convincing victory at the Estadio Saprissa in San Jose. This win came as a follow-up to their earlier 1-0 triumph over the Ticos in the 2022-23 Nations League group stage.
A dream start
Panama got off to a dream start, with Michael Murillo’s perfectly executed fourth-minute free kick finding the top right corner of the net. They extended their lead in the 29th minute when a defensive error by Costa Rica allowed Jose Fajardo to capitalize with a right-footed finish.
Costa Rica attempted to mount a response, and Jimmy Marin came close to pulling a goal back with a 33rd-minute shot that narrowly missed the post. However, Panama took advantage of space on the counterattack in the 60th minute, resulting in Adalberto Carrasquilla sliding a pass to Cecilio Waterman, who made it 3-0 with a clinical finish.
With a comfortable three-goal cushion, Panama played to their strengths and effectively thwarted Costa Rican attacks, securing a comprehensive victory.
