Adu penalty helps U.S. beat Panama in soccer qualifier

TAMPA, Florida (Reuters) - A penalty kick by Freddie Adu in the 42nd minute gave the United States a 1-0 win over Panama in an Olympic qualifier on Thursday.

In an earlier match, Honduras secured a 2-0 win over Cuba, who had to play with only 10 men after several of their players defected during the week.

After two games, Honduras lead the four-team group with six points. The United States are second on four points, Cuba third on one and Panama have yet to score a point after two losses.

The final group matches are on Saturday, with Cuba playing Panama and the United States facing Honduras.

Mexico, Canada, Guatemala and Haiti are playing in Group B in Carson City, California.

The top two in each group advance to a knockout semi-final stage with the two finalists qualifying for the Olympics.

(Reporting by Robert Green; Editing by Peter Rutherford)