Orlando, Fla. selected to host USA-Panama World Cup Qualifier

CHICAGO (Via U.S. Soccer) – U.S. Soccer has selected the city of Orlando to host the U.S. Men’s National Team’s World Cup Qualifier against Panama. The ESPN and Univision Networks will broadcast live from Orlando City Stadium, with the kickoff time still to be determined.

POTENTIAL CLINCHER?
This World Cup Qualifier is the last home match of Final Round Qualifying for the United States, and potentially could be the date on which the U.S. advances to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Currently in fourth place after four matches, the home leg against Panama falls on Matchday 9 of the ten-game Hex. The MNT closes out the group on Oct. 10 at Trinidad & Tobago. [STANDINGS]

HISTORIC DATE IN ORLANDO
The U.S. returns to Orlando for the first time since a 1-0 win against Sweden in 1998, and never with more on the line. This is the first MNT match in official competition hosted by the city, and only the second World Cup Qualifier in the state of Florida since 1980.