Sports

U.S. face Panama rematch tomorrow; one step from Gold Cup final

The U.S. was under scrutiny and coach Bob Bradley under fire after several poor results, the worst a 2-1 Gold Cup group stage loss _ their first-ever _ to Panama. But after their best showing in a year, Sunday’s quarterfinal rout of Jamaica, only a rematch with Panama stands between the U.S. and the final…and vindication.

They’d shown their various Achilles Heels _ disorganization, lack of imagination, a sorry start and worse finishing _ in a June 11 loss to Panama. But after a 2-0 win over a Jamaica team that’d been unscored-upon in the tourney, they earned tomorrow’s semifinal date at Houston’s Reliant Stadium (7 p.m., FSC, Univision).

“I think they’d certainly be excited about the opportunity to have a rematch. It’ll be a good game,’’ said Bradley, who wouldn’t admit concern over his job status. His quickly-improving team can not only take some of heat off him, but earn a trip to Saturday’s final in the Rose Bowl and a shot at the 2013 Confederations Cup.

The U.S. has largely struggled since reaching the knockout stage at the World Cup, including a 4-0 beating at the hands of a Spain team they’d upset in the 2009 Confederations Cup and that 2-1 loss to Panama. But even with starting forward Jozy Altidore likely out with a strained left hamstring, to a man they claim they’re gelling at the right time with Sunday’s performance their best since South Africa.

“No question. It was complete: We passed well, defended well,’’ said Landon Donovan. “As the tournament goes on, you start to build team unity. It doesn’t happen right away; you can’t come in and expect after a week or two everything’s going to be clicking. You can see guys are starting to trust each other, learning how guys want the ball in different spots, and we’re starting to play as a team.’’

Donovan came in a reserve Sunday for the first time in four years, following his 7 a.m. arrival from his sister’s wedding. He’ll need to be at his best with Altidore forced off the field in the 9th minute Sunday and undergoing an MRI today in Houston. If he can’t play, Red Bull teen Juan Agudelo would likely start.

“I’d love to play. Unfortunately we lost a player that’s key to our team and for this tournament, but I feel like this stuff happens for a reason,’’ said Agudelo, a New Jerseyan like Altidore. “This is my chance, and I’m focused more than ever now.’’

Bradley has made a number of adjustments, ditching his 4-4-2 for a 4-2-3-1 that was more effective than it’s been in the past, thanks to former New Jersey natives Alejandro Bedoya and Sacha Kljestan. And he benched centerback Tim Ream, shifting Carlos Bocanegra back inside for leadership and entrusting Eric Lichaj at left back.

“We’re trying to get stronger as the tournament goes on,’’ said Kljestan.

Panama _ which needed luck, a controversial late goal, and PKs to escape El Salvador Sunday _ has its own issues. Luis Tejada has three goals, but F Blas Perez, who gave the U.S. fits in Tampa, is out with a red card suspension.

Mexico plays Honduras in the other semi, with many in the sold-out crowd of 70,000-plus green-clad El Tri fans likely set to root against the archrival U.S.