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World Cup Qualifying Roundup: Two Boys in Gold Play Crucial Matches for National Teams

February 7, 2022 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Nashville SC News Release


The second-to-last match window of Concacaf 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying concluded on Wednesday, Feb. 2 after the eight teams in the "Octagonal" faced off with each other in the second leg of their home and away series. Nashville SC saw two Boys in Gold represent their respective countries before its 2022 Major League Soccer season kicks off on Feb. 27 in Walker Zimmerman and Aníbal Godoy.

The top three teams earn an automatic qualifying bid to the FIFA World Cup, while the fourth-place team participates in single-leg FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs for one of the final World Cup spots. The final three matches of qualifying will be played March 24-30 during the FIFA Match Window of March 2022.

Here's how the Boys in Gold performed over their three matches on international duty:

Walker Zimmerman (USA)

United States 3, Honduras 0

Walker Zimmerman did a bit of everything for the USMNT Wednesday night in frigid conditions in Minnesota, scoring a crucial goal off a deflected set piece to help guide the U.S. to victory. In the 37' minute, a Kellyn Acosta free kick was deflected to Zimmerman's feet in the box. The Nashville defender turned and fired the ball past the Honduran goalkeeper to put the U.S. up 2-0 going into halftime.

In the second half, Zimmerman assisted a Christian Pulisic goal as the United States secured a much-needed three points. The United States ends this window in second place with 21 points, four behind Canada.

The last qualifying match window takes place March 24-30 as the U.S. faces Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica.

Canada 2, United States 0

Walker Zimmerman was on the roster but did not play in the USMNT 2-0 loss at Canada.

United States 1, El Salvador 0

Walker Zimmerman and the USMNT escaped a scoreless first half to beat El Salvador 1-0 in Columbus, Ohio on Thursday night. Zimmerman stood out on the backline, playing all 90 minutes in yet another clean sheet. He won four of seven duels, was successful on 89% of passes, had two interceptions, seven recoveries and won three aerials.

Aníbal Godoy (Panama)

Mexico 1, Panama 0

A Mexico penalty in the 80' minute saw Aníbal Godoy and Panama on the wrong end of a 1-0 decision Wednesday night in Mexico. Godoy was Panama's captain and played all 90 minutes once again. He completed 93% of his passes, won eight of nine duels and recorded two interceptions.

Panama sits in fourth place in the "Ocho" standings with 17 points. The last qualifying match window takes place March 24-30 with Los Canaleros set to face against Honduras, United States and Canada.

Panama 3, Jamaica 2

Aníbal Godoy and Panama survived a late push from Jamaica on Sunday night in Panama, winning 3-2. The Panamanian captain played all 90 minutes, had one shot on target, completed 97% of his passes and won six of eight duels to go along with an interception.

Costa Rica 1, Panama 0

Aníbal Godoy and Panama were unlucky on Thursday night in Costa Rica, falling 1-0 to Los Ticos. The Panamanian captain played all 90 minutes, completed five accurate long balls and won six of eight duels, three of which were aerials.

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