Ching: Panama Is Going To Be Difficult

As one of the few veterans on Bob Bradley’s Gold Cup squad, and the only member of the 2007 title team that has made the trip to Philadelphia for the quarterfinal match against Panama, Brian Ching has a better idea of what the team is up against than most of his teammates do.

“We know Panama's going to be a difficult opponent,” Ching said. “The last time, in 2007, they gave us a real run. I think the game finished 2-1, but it was a lot closer than that.”

Ching went on to describe Panama as a very gifted, athletic team before outlining how the U.S. will need to play to get a good result.

“We have to be organized, smart and come out and play with a little aggression and I think we'll be ok,” the Houston based striker said.

“A lot of the guys, here, it'll be their first time playing against Panama. It'll be a difficult game. Panama's going to be a lot better than some of the teams we played in the first round. We need to come out prepared, because I think they have a chip on their shoulder from the last couple of Gold Cups.”

But the veteran also knows that his young squad is getting better with time.

“It's a good young group of guys,” he said. “The more we play together, the more we understand each other, the more we get to know each other, the stronger and stronger we get. As far as off the field, we all get along which is great.  I think there's a real sense of team here.”

Ching’s veteran presence will be needed on Saturday night when the U.S. takes on Panama at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field. The Panamanians have already earned a draw with the competition’s other perennial powerhouse Mexico, and will be hoping to reverse the trend of U.S. victories on American soil.

Allen Ramsey, Goal.com  

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