AP News, June 9th, 2007
Panama converted its only two shots on goal in the first half, capitalizing on a man advantage after the 24th minute, and beat Honduras 3-2 on Friday in the opening Gold Cup match for both teams.
Panama, returning to Giants Stadium where it lost on penalties in the final two years ago by the United States, scored both of its goals after Honduran midfielder Wilson Palacios was ejected in the 24th minute for a reckless studs-up tackle on Carlos Rivera in the Panamanian half of the field.
Rivera gave Panama the lead in the 33rd minute, and after former New York Red Bulls midfielder Amado Guevara equalized 7 minutes later, Blas Perez put Panama back in front 3 minutes before halftime. With Honduras pressing for a second equalizer, Jose Luis Garces added the insurance for Panama in the 82nd.
The extra goal proved vital when second-half substitute Carlos Costly scored in the second minute of injury time for Honduras.
It was only the second win in group play in three trips to the Gold Cup finals for Panama.
Honduras had control from the outset, not allowing Panama any sustained possession until the about the 20th minute. But Palacios' rash challenge that came from behind Rivera and upended the Panamanian midfielder immediately changed the game.
Alberto Blanco was able to get forward to put shots high and wide before Rivera converted, taking a cross-field pass on the left side of the area, touching it past Oscar Bonieck Garcia and beating goalkeeper Orlin Vallecillo with a left-footer into the far-side netting.
Guevara, who played four years in Giants Stadiums with the MetroStars and their renamed successor the New York Red Bulls _ winning Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Player award in 2004, tied it for Honduras in the 40th.
After a dubious foul by Felipe Baloy on Carlos Pavon inside the restraining arc, Guevara curled a 19-yard free kick into the upper corner past flailing goalkeeper Jaime Penedo.
But Panama took advantage of its numbers to reclaim the lead. Roman Torres eluded one defender down the left and launched a curling cross that Perez was able to meet just outside the 6-yard box by outleaping Garcia.
Despite its man disadvantage, Honduras managed have the to have the better possession in the second half, its best opportunity coming when Guevara forced Penedo into a diving save in the 62nd.
Garces ended Honduran hopes, driving into the area, turning to make space and sending a bending 20-yard right-footer into the far-side netting for a 3-1 lead. With Honduras continuing to press forward, Costly finally converted for Honduras knocking in a header off a cross from Erick Vallecilo.
