By Joe Tansey
The United States men's national team will face their first CONCACAF opponent in 2015 on Sunday, when they play host to 2013 Gold Cup runners-up Panama.
Revenge might be on the minds of some Panamanian players Sunday afternoon, but most of the stars on both rosters were not present for the final in Chicago, or for the thrilling World Cup qualifying match in October 2013.
With both sides using a batch of inexperienced players, this international friendly is more about finding what the young talent has to offer rather than the result itself.
Date: Sunday, February 8
Time: 4 p.m. ET/9 p.m. GMT
Venue: StubHub Center, Carson, Calif.
TV Info: ESPN, UniMas (USA)
Live Stream: WatchESPN (USA)
Form Guide
Since their 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic in September, the United States have hit a rough patch of form. The biggest concern from their last few games is the high number of goals conceded by the defense. The timing of the strikes has not been ideal either, as the Yanks have let in six goals after the 75th minute over the last five matches.
Panama's most recent result was a 0-0 draw with Canada, which followed a 3-1 victory over El Salvador. The only defeat suffered by Los Canaleros in their last five matches came at the hands of Mexico on October 12.
Predicted Formations
Your guess is as good as mine when it comes to the formation the USMNT will line up in. Manager Jurgen Klinsmann experimented with a 3-5-2 in the first half against Chile but reverted back to a 4-4-2 in the second half.
Just like he did against Chile, Klinsmann will choose the formation that best suits the personnel in his starting 11. If he is willing to hand a few young players a chance, Matt Hedges could anchor the back line with Jermaine Jones moving back into midfield. If that is an option, Klinsmann would be able to use the 3-5-2 again.
One of the few sure things in regards to Klinsmann's player selection is who will be up top. Jozy Altidore should start at forward with Clint Dempsey near him on the pitch in some type of supporting role.
While most of the Panamanian squad is full of inexperience, they will be able to rely on Jaime Penedo in goal and Blas Perez up top. We might also see Gabriel Torres of the Colorado Rapids at some point next to Perez in a 4-4-2, but Rolando Blackburn is also in contention for a starting position. If manager Hernan Gomez opts to utilize one forward, Perez should be the go-to guy.
The back four will boast a bit of familiarity with the international game, as Harold Cummings and Leonel Parris have made a combined 51 appearances for Panama.
Players to Watch
United States: Michael Bradley
It is difficult to select a single player to watch for the USMNT because most of the players are under the microscope at the moment due to the the squad's poor form.
Luis Hidalgo/Associated Press
Michael Bradley is the player who makes the United States midfield tick, and if he is able to dictate the pace of the game, the Yanks should come out on top.
The Toronto FC player was lined up in his preferred deep-lying role against Chile, but he failed to make a major impact on the match. Without Bradley at his best, the USMNT looks disjointed transitioning into attack at times.
If Bradley can thrive in the middle of the park, the USMNT attack should be able to create a consistent flow of pressure from all angles of the pitch.
Panama: Jaime Penedo
Sunday's venue will be a familiar one to the man who steps in between the goal posts for Panama.
Jaime Penedo is the No. 1 'keeper for the LA Galaxy in MLS and he will have a bit of an advantage in regards to how the ball reacts off certain parts of the field.
Fernando Antonio/Associated Press
The 33-year-old is also aware of the attacking tendencies of most of the USMNT players. One particular matchup could see Penedo facing shots from LA Galaxy teammate Gyasi Zardes if the 23-year-old receives some playing time.
The veteran presence of Penedo in goal will be a key factor for the visitors Sunday, as up to three players could earn their first appearance in a Panama shirt at the StubHub Center.
Key Battle: Matt Hedges vs. Blas Perez
If Klinsmann finally obliges to the wishes of many who watched Hedges play in MLS last season, we could be treated to a thrilling battle between club teammates.
If the 24-year-old center back makes his international debut in the back four, he will be paired up against the crafty Perez, who has scored on 36 occasions for Panama.
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Perez is a wily veteran who is known for his ability to draw quite a few calls in the box, which is something Hedges will keep in the back of his mind.
The potential match up of Hedges and Perez will also provide us with a bit more drama than a normal friendly, as club bragging rights will be on the line.
