LOS ANGELES: The United States seemingly cruised through its opening match against Canada, winning 2-0 in their opening group C match. The win positions the Americans for a smooth entry into the next stage, with lowly Panama and Guadalupe up next. Jozy Altidore scored the first goal in the first half and set up Clint Dempsey's goal in the second for the final scoreline. The 21-year-old Altidore was playing his first game in a Gold Cup, which is the championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean. His goal in the 15th minute put the US ahead, and Dempsey added one in the 62nd off a nice cross from Altidore. The US dominated the midfield and put pressure on the Canadians from the opening kick-off, but were only able to muster two goals. They had wanted to make a statement after both Mexico and Costa Rica put on a show in their opening matches, although Canada is a far tougher test than what the other CONCACAF giants faced. In the other group C match earlier, Panama survived a scare to beat Guadalupe 3-2. Blas Pérez and Luís Tejada scored first-half goals and Panama defeated Guadeloupe, 3-2, in the opening game in Detroit. Brice Jovial scored twice for 10-man Guadeloupe after entering the game at halftime. Luís Henriquez nearly gave Panama a lead in the ninth minute, but his shot from 55 yards sailed just over the bar. Pérez made it 1-0 in the 22nd minute. Tejada made it 2-0 two minutes later. Things became worse for Guadeloupe before halftime when Michael Tacalfred was shown a straight red card for a foul on Henriquez. Panama made it 3-0 on Gabriel Gómez's penalty kick in the 57th minute, but Guadalupe fought back valiantly, although unable to net an equalizer. BM
