Michael Bradley, Geoff Cameron Redefined American Midfield and Other Notable Aspects of U.S. Soccer’s Win Over Panama

The U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team hit its stride a year and a day before the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil. The Americans defeated Panama by a score of 2-0 in front of a raucous crowd in Seattle, Wash., thanks to goals from Jozy Altidore and Eddie Johnson. The resurgent forwards were among those players who came up big, as the U.S. delivered its most complete, effective and entertaining performance of the entire 2014 World Cup qualifying cycle. The victory put the U.S. top the CONCACAF hexagonal standings midway through the final round of World Cup qualifying. A few things of note stood out from Tuesday’s game: Michael Bradley‘s drive and Geoff Cameron‘s athleticism redefined U.S. midfield play. The two center midfielders brought out the best in each other. Bradley, a ball-loving, tempo-dictating type of midfielder, was unleashed by Cameron’s presence. His driving run and pass to Fabian Johnson helped create Altidore’s goal in the first half. It was one of many...