Hats off

Johnson's three goals propels U.S. to Panama rout, regional finals

Landon Donovan scored two goals in the 6-0 rout of Panama. AP

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The established star was overshadowed by the kid.

Landon Donovan scored twice Wednesday night, then rising sensation Eddie Johnson connected three straight times, carrying the United States into the regional finals of World Cup qualifying with a 6-0 rout of Panama. In a game dominated from start to finish by the streaking Americans, it was Donovan and Johnson who left the lasting marks.

"I just want to see if I can play at this level," the 20-year-old Johnson said after scoring the first U.S. hat trick in World Cup qualifying since 1968 and only the third ever. And he did it in his second game with the national team -- after scoring last Saturday night in his debut at El Salvador.

"This is awesome. It's what you dream of -- maybe dream of just getting on the field for a few minutes or maybe scoring a goal. But three ..."

Johnson shook his head at the thought.

"You don't dream of that," he added with a big smile.

The Americans' biggest victory since beating Barbados 7-0 in 2000 moved them one huge step closer to Germany '06. They got a spot in the CONCACAF regional finals, where the top three of six teams automatically make the World Cup field.

And they did it with an unrelenting attack that extended their longest unbeaten string to 12 games. Only a 1-0 loss to the Netherlands in February blemishes the record. They are 3-0-2 in qualifying this year.

"Qualifying is all about results," coach Bruce Arena said. "You don't get them and you don't go to the World Cup.

"The players have had a great year to date."

They were as sharp as ever against Panama, starting with Donovan, who wore the captain's armband for just the second time.

Donovan established U.S. superiority with plenty of help from his teammates, whose creative passing and speed dominated play. On both his goals, he received pinpoint passes.

Donovan's 18th goal for the national team and first as captain was a precision combination play with Josh Wolff. With Wolff charging into the penalty area from the left wing, Donovan headed for the goal and perfectly timed his right-footed deflection of Wolff's pass. The ball sailed beyond diving goalkeeper Donald Gonzalez in the 21st minute.

The Americans probably should have had two goals before that. Gregg Berhalter barely headed wide in the fifth minute off a header feed from Brian McBride. Then McBride, set free on left wing after a brilliant run by DaMarcus Beasley, just knocked a right-footed shot wide of the post.

Donovan made it 2-0 by breaking free behind the defense off a pass from Kerry Zavagnin. Donovan cut across the penalty area and, just before being sandwiched by two defenders, placed a shot into the top of the net.

"Crucial," Donovan said of advancing with one game to spare. "You don't want to worry about other results, you don't want to worry about getting a result in the sixth game. If you can finish it ... you finish it."

Panama, which to its credit did not stack the defense and play an ultraconservative game -- as many visiting teams might have -- rarely challenged goalie Kasey Keller in the first hour. In the 65th minute, though, Panama captain Julio Dely Valdes wasted two good chances.

Valdes broke free on right wing, but never got a shot off before the defense caught up. Then, off a corner kick, his header skimmed off the crossbar.

Two minutes later, Keller had to climb high to tip Alberto Blanco's free kick over the bar.

Moments after Keller's splendid save, the Americans wrapped up passage into the CONCACAF finals. Johnson, who came in just 3 minutes earlier for Wolff, soared high and headed home yet another superb feed, this one a cross by Carlos Bocanegra.

"I was told if you make a run, nine times out of 10 you will get the ball," Johnson said. "It's true."

He connected again off a corner kick after two teammates played the ball, and finished the hat trick with a sliding shot off a cross from Eddie Lewis. By connecting in the 70th, 84th and 87th minutes, Johnson became the first American sub ever to score three times in a game.

"This was one of those games where everything happened right for me," Johnson said.

Notes: The Americans are 8-1-5 this season. Their final semifinal round game is in Columbus, Ohio on Nov. 17 against Jamaica. ... Panama still is alive with a 1-2-2 record. ... Keller recorded his 36th shutout in 74 international appearances, making three saves. ... The last U.S. hat trick in qualifying was by Peter Millar in 1968 against Bermuda.