USMNT vs. Panama, 2015 Gold Cup: Final score 1-1, Bradley salvages a draw

The United States overcame another lackluster first half and a one goal deficit to battle back for a draw. Panama held the U.S.,1-1, making it only the fourth time ever the Americans failed to win a Gold Cup group game.

The U.S. finished atop Group A with seven points, Haiti finish second with four, while Panama wait on other group results to learn their tournament fate.

On a hot and steamy night in Kansas City, the USA again got off to a slow start just like their previous two group games. This time however, Panama would capitalize on their possession and chances created advantage. In the 34th minute Ventura Alvarado got turned around by an attacker in the box and the resulting pass across the face of goal was turned into the net by FC Dallas' Blas Perez.

Alvarado and  John Brooks struggled all night with positioning and marking. Brooks hauled down a Panamanian attacker early in the first half and received a yellow card. It was his second caution of the group stage meaning he'll be suspended for the quarterfinals on Saturday.

After the goal the U.S. finally came to life and looked to have a great opportunity when Chris Wondolowski put Alejandro Bedoya through on goal. Bedoya was brought down just outside the box, but the referee waved play on despite their being clear contact.

Jurgen Klinsmann was furious with the referee and his team at halftime and decided to make two changes. DeAndre Yedlin and Clint Dempsey were brought on to breathe some life into the attack. Unfortunately their impact wasn't immediate as the Americans continued to be sloppy in possession with silly turnovers.

Finally after 15 minutes into the second half the U.S. gained some confidence. A neat little combination play between Dempsey and Bedoya found the latter with space for a cross on the left wing. Bedoya's perfectly-weighted ball found a streaking Michael Bradley who finished off the chance with ease to even the score.

Once the Americans pulled even they found themselves better in possession. Despite many back and forth flurries, only one really dangerous chance fell to Panama who forced Brad Guzan into a great diving save at his near post. The U.S. goalkeeper was on his game all night saving anything he could possibly get to.

In the end, this game had little to no meaning for the USMNT. They fought through early struggles to scratch out a draw. Their overall team performance will have to improve during the knockout rounds if they have any hope of beating Mexico or Costa Rica.

The U.S. head to Baltimore and wait to learn which third place group finisher they will be matched up against. The quarterfinals take place on Saturday. The USMNT will either play at 5 p.m or 8 p.m.