Gregg Berhalter debuts as the new USMNT manager with a win
The Gregg Berhalter era began. Even though it wasn't a FIFA friendly match, it was the perfect test as the American manager didn't count with the European players.
The State Farm Stadium was the perfect scenery for the Gregg Berhalter era to began. Even though it wasn't a FIFA friendly match, it was the perfect test as the American manager didn't count with the European players.
A game in which 5 players from the MLS made their debut with the National team, one of them Djordje Mihailovic, the name to remember after this game not only as the 52nd player to score in his debut, but as a young player that could be the future of the USMNT in their way to the next World Cup.
It was a solid first test for Berhalter it didn't even matter that these young players had limited time practicing and together.
Mihailovic had an impressing night, he opened the score at the 39 minute leading the United States to the win. He knew exactly where to be and what to do. He shot a superb goal, making a clear statement as to why he should be a part of the team when names like Christian Pulisic are available.
Panama tried very hard to find the space to make some damage but the team lead by Berhalter didn't give any chance for it. And even though they tried and made some moves in the lineup to get to the box, the Centeramericans left the game without goals.
Zimmerman and Ramírez also made a statement in the second half to sentence the game and showed that in case the Europeans are not available, the team will always be able to count on them.
It was a great start for the USMNT in this 2019, let's just hope that next week when they face Costa Rica this streak will continue, so when the real test arrives, the United States could be more than ready.