United States men’s national football teamdown a man after Timothy Weah’s red card early in the first half, could not withstand constant pressure from Panama on Thursday, who cruised to a 2-1 victory in a group stage match of the Copa America.
The USMNT was looking for another group stage win after defeat Bolivia Sunday. A victory for the United States would have made Monday’s match against Uruguay irrelevant, as six points would have given the United States a place in the round of 16.
The match against Panama became hectic and it started with Weah.
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Tim Weah of the United States reacts after being sent off during a Copa América USA 2024 Group C match against Panama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 27, 2024, in Atlanta. (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
The veteran American striker received a red card in the 18th minute after pushing a Panamanian player in the back of the head, causing automatic ejection.
Despite receiving a yellow card early on, the referee pocketed the yellow card and removed the red as Weah was already leaving the field. From there, Team USA was down one player, and Panama took advantage.
The United States went first when Folarin Balogun scored his second goal of this Copa America tournament with a left-footed shot off the right post in the 22nd minute. But Panama responded four minutes later when Cesar Blackman scored his first career international goal with a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Matt Turner.
Turner finally made the USMNT bench after a violent collision in the first half left him with a leg injury. Turner finished the first half, but Ethan Horvath replaced him in the second.
Panama players celebrate after winning a Copa América USA 2024 Group C match against the United States at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, June 27, 2024, in Atlanta. (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Panama took advantage of its numerical advantage to send a constant attack on the United States. Defense was key and the United States opted for a five-man defense with three midfielders and a striker. But Panama finally managed to break through with a little patience in the 83rd minute.
After Ricardo Pepi failed to convert a Weston McKennie cross a minute earlier to give the United States the lead, Panama’s José Fajardo redirected a pinball cross past Horvath, and the Panama bench rushed onto the pitch to celebrate the score.
With the United States in desperation mode, the game took a turn for the worse. Panamanian Adalberto Carrasquilla was shown a red card after sweeping Christian Pulisic’s legs, leading to a brawl.
With teams down to 10 players, the United States had some set pieces to work on, but they failed to convert.
Weston McKennie of the United States appears dejected after losing a Copa América USA 2024 Group C match against Panama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta. (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
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When the final whistle blew, Panama had won its third match in its history against the United States.
The United States now heads into Monday’s match against 15-time Copa América winners Uruguay and needs a win to advance from the group stage.
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