The US Under-23 Men's National Team defeated Panama 1-0 in their second match of 2008 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying in Tampa on Thursday night.

Panama's only real chance of the first half came in the first 10 minutes when a header with a clear path at goal was off target.

The US controlled the ball for most of the half and their possessions paid off in the 42nd minute. Jozy Altidore received a good pass from Eddie Gaven and rounded the keeper, who tripped the Red Bulls striker. A foul was called and Freddy Adu connected on the penalty kick.

Adu drew a free kick in a dangerous position about 10 minutes into the second half, which Stuart Holden put wide.

The US continued to keep possession and Altidore made a good run that drew a foul and a yellow card with about 20 minutes left in the match.

The match was a scrappy one and the US was glad to get three points out of it. The hosts controlled the ball for most of the game but did not produce many chances.

Panama had their last chance with about five minutes left in the match, but Edwin Aguilar's shot went wide of the net. The underdogs were not able to trouble American keeper Chris Seitz during the match.

With the win, the US virtually qualifies for the next round of qualification. The US plays Honduras on Saturday and will win Group A with a win.

A tie would clinch a second place finish in the group, while a loss would only knock out the US if Cuba defeats Panama and makes up the goal differential.

Scoring
USA - Freddy Adu 2 (PK) 42'

Line-ups
USA - Chris Seitz; Michael Orozco, Marvell Wynne, Nathan Sturgis, Maurice Edu, Eddie Gaven (Salvatore Zizzo 64'), Sacha Kljestan, Dax McCarty, Stuart Holden, Freddy Adu, Jozy Altidore

CUBA - José Calderón; Román Torres, Reinaldo Anderson, Adolfo Machado, Eric Vázquez, Nelson Barahona, Eduardo Jiménez, Cristian Vega (Alberto Quintero 53'), Manuel Bonilla, Reggie Arosemena, Gabriel Torres (Edwin Aguilar 68')