Cleveland, Ohio – First Energy Stadium in Cleveland saw a ton of action tonight as the 2017 Gold Cup arrived in town, bringing in four soccer crazed nations with it! It was Panama facing Martinque in Game One of the Double Header. Panama dominated from start to finish to capture the 3-0 victory.
Martinque came into the contest with 1 win, 1 loss and 0 draws in 2017 Gold Cup Play. Panama also entered with 1 win, but had 0 losses and 1 draw.
This win gives 7 total points for Panama in Gold Cup Play thus far as they advance to the knockout round. While Martinque will go home winless in the tournament.
Panama scored early and often this afternoon. Their first goal coming in the 44th minute when Defender Michael Murillo connected with the back of the net following a perfectly placed pass from midfielder Miguel Camargo.
It was a scrappy first half with yellow cards handed out to Karl Vitulin and Antoine Jean Baptiste of Martinque. Despite the rough and tough play, it did not lead to any goals for them as Panama held the 1-0 lead at the half.
Panama ended all doubt early in the second half when Abdiel Arroyo scored to make it 2-0. A short while later in the 67th minute, it was Gabriel Torres putting the capper on the 3-0 win.
Martinque could not score, but did tack on 3 more yellow cards in the second half from Johan Audel, Steeven Langil and Yann Thimon.
Panama head coach Hernan Gomez had this to say in the press conference after the game. Questions asked by Vince McKee and recorded by Eli Mooneyham below.
"This has shown us that we need to learn to keep the ball better." Martinique's Coach Civault on team's effort against Panama.#GoldCup2017
— Eli Mooneyham (@Eli_Mooneyham) July 15, 2017
"We've been improving through the tournament. We are stronger."
-Coach Gómez on Panama's performance today and throughout the #GoldCup2017— Eli Mooneyham (@Eli_Mooneyham) July 15, 2017
#Panama's Gòmez states the importance of the younger players playing tough games.#GoldCup2017
— Eli Mooneyham (@Eli_Mooneyham) July 15, 2017
Gómez on knockout round: Key is to bring players that have experience, can contribute & players that are well-rested to play.#GoldCup2017
— Eli Mooneyham (@Eli_Mooneyham) July 15, 2017
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