Panama U-20 soccer team completes second friendly in Mexico ahead of Concacaf Championship

Panama's U-20 national soccer team is intensifying its preparations in Pachuca, Mexico, with just six days remaining until their debut in the Concacaf U-20 Championship. Head coach Mike Stump's squad engaged in their second preparatory match on Monday at the Club Pachuca facilities, participating in a demanding session designed to further evaluate the team before the tournament.

The team played two mini-matches, each lasting 45 minutes. In the initial encounter, Panama faced the formidable first team of Club Pachuca, ultimately falling 3-0 in a challenging test. However, the U-20 squad showed resilience in the second match, delivering a solid performance to defeat the Club Pachuca U-19 team 3-1. Gerson Gordón scored twice in the second half, and Raheen Cuello added the third goal for Panama.

These matches provided a valuable opportunity for the coaching staff, led by Mike Stump, to refine tactical and footballing aspects ahead of the championship. The team is scheduled for a recovery session on Tuesday before resuming training for the final phase of their preparation. They will remain in Pachuca until Friday, July 24, before traveling to Puebla, the host city for their group stage matches.

Panama is set to begin their Group C campaign on Sunday, July 26, against Canada at the Estadio Universitario BUAP in Puebla. The squad is also being bolstered by the arrival of key players. Midfielder Moisés Richards joined the team on Sunday evening after traveling from Hungary. Additionally, midfielder Ernesto Gómez is expected to arrive on Tuesday from the United States, where he plays for Connecticut United FC in MLS Next Pro. His incorporation will mean the full squad is available to Coach Stump for the final preparations.