either scoring or assisting -- in 12 of the 13 qualifying matches on the road to Germany 2006.
Panama tried to come back into the match down two goals, and goalkeeper Kasey Keller was once again called upon to make a number of quality saves -- including three in rapid order in the 29th minute. Jose Luis Garces beat Keller from long range in the 34th minute, only to see his effort come back off the post.
The USA were then fortunate to grab a third just before the halftime break, also coming from a scorer at the weekend against Costa Rica. A free kick from Donovan was half-cleared, but only as far as Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew). His low shot was blocked by a defender but landed to McBride, and the Fulham FC striker hit home with a left-footed effort that wrong-footed the Panama 'keeper.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
