Yes, the USMNT could lose to Panama again. Here's 3 reasons why: | OneFootball

On paper, Mauricio Pochettino's U.S. men's national team looks to have gotten the better draw in Thursday's Concacaf Nations League semifinals.

Panama is arguably the most consistent performer in Central America right now. But its overall roster pedigree -- in terms of where most players ply their trade for their clubs -- is considerably lower than what Mexico and Canada offer, and even potentially Jamaica and Costa Rica at times.

But as Los Canaleros have proven repeatedly in recent Concacaf competition, underestimate them at your own peril. It's a lesson previous USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter learned the hard way in a 2-1 defeat during the 2024 Copa America group stage, one that helped lead to the United States' early elimination and Berhalter's dismissal.

Even with a new manager and better vibes around the team, another defeat is still well within the realm of possibility.

Here are three reasons the Americans should be on upset alert.

1. Familiarity, not fear

Half the battle when you're a considerable underdog, as Panama are, is believing you have a realistic chance to win. And for Panama, that shouldn't be any problem based on their recent results against the USMNT, particularly in competitive fixtures.

Panama owns a 2W-1D-1L record in their last four competitive fixtures against the U.S. over 90 minutes. And Panama has held the U.S. to exactly one goal in nine consecutive competitive fixtures outside of World Cup qualifying (eight Concacaf Gold Cup meetings and one Copa America match).

2. Not really a home game

While the game will be played on U.S. soil, this will not feel like a home match in the way a World Cup qualifier or even a Gold Cup group stage match might.

The game is being played at 4 p.m. local time in Los Angeles, as part of a double-header at SoFi Stadium that also includes the second semifinal between Canada and Mexico. If anything, most of the fans who attend are expected to be Mexican partisans, and many may not even arrive until the first semifinal is well underway or possibly completed.

3. Key absences

The USMNT midfield is as healthy and deep as it has been since at least the 2022 World Cup, but there are major questions elsewhere for Pochettino's squad.

Injuries to Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi leave Josh Sargent as the potential starter at striker for the Americans. While Sargent has been in excellent form for Norwich City, he only has 5 goals in 26 appearances for the U.S.

And on the back line, Auston Trusty and Antonee Robinson are both late scratches from the squad. Robinson in particular is a dual-impact player, with his ability to get forward proving particularly critical in games like these where the Americans are expected to dictate the flow of play.