Jones, US tie Panama
PANAMA CITY, Panama -- Cobi Jones scored two minutes into second-half injury time, and the United States escaped with a 1-1 tie against Panama in a World Cup qualifier last night.
Roberto Brown's goal in the 69th minute had put 110th-ranked Panama on track for a huge upset against the 10th-ranked Americans.
After three minutes of injury time had been signaled, Eddie Lewis lofted the ball and it bounced off a Panamanian player who had challenged Brian McBride. On the soggy turf, Landon Donovan turned and mis-hit the ball, which sliced to Jones.
Jones, who may have been in an offside position, then beat goalkeeper Donaldo Gonzalez from 8 yards for his 15th goal in 163 international appearances.
It was the second time the United States salvaged a tie on the road with a late goal by a second-half substitute -- Brian Ching scored in the 89th minute of the semifinal opener at Jamaica on Aug. 18.
The United States (1-0-2) was coming off a 2-0 win at home over El Salvador last weekend. 