In a surprising turn of events, Panama dealt a significant blow to the USA’s hopes of advancing in the Copa America by securing a 2-1 victory over the host nation on Thursday.
The intense Group C match in Atlanta saw both teams reduced to 10 men as Panama overturned an early deficit to revive their Copa campaign following a previous loss to Uruguay.
The game took a dramatic twist in the 18th minute when US winger Timothy Weah was shown a red card for striking Panama defender Roderick Miller in the face, an incident detected by VAR.
Despite being down a man, the USA took the lead in the 22nd minute with a stunning goal from Folarin Balogun, who struck from the edge of the area. Panama quickly responded, leveling the score just minutes later with a goal from Cesar Blackman.
As the match progressed, Panama’s numerical advantage began to wear down the US team. The USA had a golden opportunity to regain the lead in the 81st minute when Weston McKennie’s impressive run and cross set up substitute Ricardo Pepi, but Pepi’s weak header was easily saved by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera.
Panama capitalized on this missed chance, and with seven minutes left, Jose Fajardo scored from Abdiel Ayarza’s low cross, putting Panama ahead 2-1.
In a tense conclusion, Adalberto Carrasquilla was sent off for a harsh tackle on US captain Christian Pulisic, but Panama managed to hold on for the victory.
Reflecting on the match, US midfielder Tyler Adams said, “That’s soccer at the end of the day. We know what we signed up for and playing in a Copa America, we knew it was going to be a fight. Credit to Panama, they did their job and they got the result.”
Adams also commented on Weah’s red card, stating, “He apologized to the team. You never mean to get a red card, under any circumstances. He’s not that type of person. Respect to the rest of the team because they fought for every single ball, every single duel, every single minute, and we still created chances even after going down to 10 men.”
The defeat leaves the USA needing a win against South American heavyweights Uruguay in their final group game next Monday to secure a spot in the quarter-finals. Uruguay is set to play Bolivia in Thursday’s late Group C match.
