Ten-man US football squad edges host Panama

Graham Zusi scored his first goal for the United States in the eighth minute to give the 10-man Americans a 1-0 football victory in a friendly match at Panama.It was the third victory in a row for the US squad, which moved to 4-4 with one drawn under new coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who replaced the fired Bob Bradley six months ago.The Americans, who beat Venezuela 1-0 at home last Saturday, won despite playing a man down after Geoff Cameron received a red card in the 51st minute for shoving Blas Perez from behind on a breakaway outside the penalty area.Zusi, a midfielder for Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer, made his debut with the national team in the victory over Venezuela.A US lineup mainly comprised of reserves while top stars served with European clubs dispatched a Panama side that upset the Americans in the group stage of last year's CONCACAF Gold Cup.A top-flight American lineup is expected for the next US friendly at Italy on February 29. US qualifying for the 2014 World Cup begins on June 8 against Antigua.

Source: AFP