In about one hour, the United States Men's National Team will kickoff in Orlando, FL against the national team of Panama in a crucial qualifier between two teams vying for the crucial final automatic qualification spot (3rd place) in the CONCACAF Hexagonal.

The United States comes into the match in rather poor form, having lost and drawn their last two qualifiers, the home loss to Costa Rica last month being among the most crushing defeats in American soccer history. Head coach Bruce Arena's roster selection for these qualifiers have been controversial to say the least, as once again he's left off Timmy Chandler who plays for Frankfurt in the Bundesliga and instead chosen to take Graham Zusi of Sporting Kansas City. Additionally the roster omitted Fabian Johnson of Borussia Monchengladbach, who many consider to be among the greatest American players, and who can play at leftback, which is a position of considerable weakness for the Americans.

A win tonight against Panama doesn't guarantee qualification, nor does a loss make qualification impossible, but needless to say the USA's odds of getting to Russia in 2018 go up dramatically with a win and plummet just as dramatically with a loss.

I'm very nervous for this game, but still I believe we'll get the 3 points. Go Team!

U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!