USA vs. Panama: Highlighting Top Performers in Americans' Dramatic Win

The United States men's national team had already clinched a World Cup berth heading into Tuesday's final qualifier against Panama, but that didn't stop Jurgen Klinsmann's men from battling back from a late deficit to cap off qualification with a dramatic 3-2 victory in Panama City, per ESPN Stats & Info on Twitter:

Trailing 2-1 in stoppage time, it appeared that the U.S. was headed for its third loss in the fourth round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. But that all changed in a matter of seconds as Graham Zusi and Aron Johannsson delivered two separate daggers before the referee found his whistle.

Below, we'll highlight a trio of performers who stood out in the Americans' come-from-behind win.

Brad Davis, Midfield

While Brad Davis doesn't sound like a name U.S. fans can expect to see on the squad's World Cup 2014 roster next summer, he certainly gave head coach Jurgen Klinsmann plenty to think about on Tuesday.

Davis came on for Brad Evans in the second half and immediately made an impact.

The Houston Dynamo star set up Michael Orozco's equalizer less than 10 minutes after stepping onto the pitch and then set up Graham Zusi for the match's second equalizer in injury time, per Dynamo beat writer Darrell Lovell on Twitter:

Both assists were critical to the Americans' hopes, and without Davis being brought on in the second half, the U.S. would have had to search elsewhere for a spark.

Aron Johannsson, Midfield

Substitute Aron Johannsson delivered the shot and play of the game for the Stars and Stripes in Panama, making a bold run into the box late and finishing Terrence Boyd's beautiful ball to turn a draw into a loss in the waning moments. 

While Johannsson's goal would have been slightly less spectacular without Graham Zusi's equalizer just a minute earlier, there's no doubt that the 22-year-old's match-winner was the biggest moment for the U.S..

Johannsson only had a half hour to make his presence felt on Tuesday after coming on midway through the second half, but keep in mind that Tuesday was only his fourth career appearance for the senior national team.

Michael Orozco, Defense

Defender Michael Orozco netted the first equalizer for the Americans on Tuesday and also delivered some sharp passes from the back.

He wasn't always in command in front of goalkeeper Brad Guzan, but without Orozco there to get on the other end of Brad Davis' cross in the 64th minute, the U.S. likely doesn't come away with the same result.

The confidence gained from a big-time goal like that one and the invaluable experience obtained in a win behind enemy lines are huge for Orozco as he looks to earn a spot on the U.S. World Cup 2014 roster. 

Graham Zusi, Jozy Altidore and Terrence Boyd were also studs for the U.S. in Panama City. While Altidore's effort won't show up on the stat sheet, the prominent striker was effective before exiting late, battling defenders and linking up with teammates to create chances for the U.S. 

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.