Watch all the goals in USA 3-0 Panama as Berhalter's USMNT reign kicks off with a win

January 28, 2019 By Ali M.

Topics: Gregg Berhalter, Djordje Mihailovic, Christian Ramirez, Nick Lima, USMNT, Panama, International Friendly

Mihailovic and Ramirez found the back of the net in their first cap for the senior squad in what was a promising performance from the Stars and Stripes.

Gregg Berhalter made his debut as USA manager on Sunday night and what a start he enjoyed. The American boss led his side to victory in a friendly with Panama, triumphing by a comfortable 3-0 scoreline.

The newly-appointed gaffer named a squad of only Major League Soccer players in his opening game, with a number of youngsters getting a chance to impress. With the likes of Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie missing out on this game, the new faces showed they can hold their own.

Djordje Mihailovic in particular stood out with a lovely display, as the 20-year-old exhibited promise. The midfielder, who was making his debut in Sunday's friendly, celebrated this memorable game by scoring the opening goal.

Mihailovic capped off Sunday lovely display with a goal

Debut and goal! @DjoMihailovic scores the first goal of the Gregg Berhalter era!

leads 1-0 in the 40'! pic.twitter.com/Xo29Lw3QMD
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@ussoccer_mnt) January 28, 2019

However, the Chicago Fire ace wasn't the only player to find the back of the net in his first international cap. Christian Ramirez also enjoyed his debut by scoring, grabbing the third goal of the night in the 89th minute.

84': @Chris_Ramirez17 debuts.
89': @Chris_Ramirez17 scores.

LET'S GO! pic.twitter.com/aKMjtRHxUd
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@ussoccer_mnt) January 28, 2019

Nick Lima, who made his first appearance for the senior national side due to DeAndre Yedlin's absence, also earned praise. The right-back was at the center of USA's second goal, putting in an excellent tackle to win the ball back before setting up Walker Zimmerman to score.

Lima superbly wins the ball back to set up the second goal

DOUBLE THAT LEAD! @thewalkerzim buries a header off a fantastic cross from @nick__lima! 2-0! pic.twitter.com/ghAND2Ut3Y
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@ussoccer_mnt) January 28, 2019

There was a lot in that performance to please the USMNT fans. After the embarrassment that was their failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Berhalter will hope to have his men up and running in time for the 2019 Gold Cup.