Football
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U.S. defender Steve Birnbaum injured, won't play against Panama

CARSON, Calif. -- United States defender Steve Birnbaum has a minor knee injury that will keep him out of Sunday's game against Panama.

Coach Jurgen Klinsmann announced the precautionary measure Saturday.

"It changes our approach, how we're going to play with the backline," Klinsmann said, according to MLSsoccer.com. "But you've got to be patient for another day to have [what we're going to do] in front of you."

Birnbaum made his U.S. debut last week in the Americans' 3-2 loss at Chile, playing right-back. The 24-year-old Southern California native plays for D.C. United in MLS.

"I think Steven did very well in Chile, but the whole camp, he's been sharp from the first day on and he understood the opportunity that came across," Klinsmann said.

"It's a bummer [the injury] keeps him out of this one game, but more importantly is that he's going to be healthy in the next couple of days and continue preseason, basically, with D.C. United, so definitely a very positive experience for Steven."

Matt Hedges, a defender for FC Dallas, could get his first start for the American men in Birnbaum's place against Panama at StubHub Center.

"We have a big group here," Jermaine Jones said. "Of course, it's not good for him, but someone will come and step in, and so we will play with 11 players, and we hope everyone can play 100 percent and that we can win it."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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