Host United States began the Gold Cup with a 2-0 victory over Canada on Tuesday while Panama edged Guadeloupe 3-2 in the other Group C opener in the biennial North American soccer tournament.

Jozy Altidore scored in the 14th minute and Fulham striker Clint Dempsey added an insurance goal for the Americans in the 62nd minute off a centering pass from Alitdore.

The Americans, who bounced back three days after being blanked 4-0 by 2010 World Cup champion Spain in a friendly, have never lost an opening-round match in the continental championship event.