:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46729988/GettyImages-463015772.0.jpg)
After clinching first place in Group A, the United States closes out 2015 Gold Cup group play today against Panama. The Americans are coming off of two victories, but failed to play up to their potential in those matches. The Panamanians on the other hand are coming off of two disappointing draws against Haiti and Honduras.
Panama will be desperately looking for a victory as that would all but guarantee the team a place in the quarterfinals. The Panamanians could advance with a loss, depending on other results, but Los Canaleros surely will look to control their own destiny with a victory.
Jurgen Klinsmann is expected to rest many starters, as this game is essentially meaningless for the USMNT. However, this doesn't mean the game will be easy for Panama.
The U.S. has a deep squad and the players will certainly take this match just as seriously as any other game. U.S. substitutes and reserves will have a chance to impress Klinsmann and convince him that they deserve to start in the knockout rounds.
The last time these two teams meet was in 2013, when the U.S. defeated Panama 3-2 in World Cup Qualifying. Panama will be looking for revenge and I expect them to defeat the U.S. in a close match.
USA v. Panama
When: 9:30 p.m., Monday, July 13th
Where: Sporting Park, Kansas City, Kansas
TV: Fox Sports 1, Unimas, Univision Deportes, Sportsnet One (Canada)
Online: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go, Univision Deportes en vivo, Sportsnet World Now (Canada)