USMNT suffers major setback in Copa America loss to Panama

The U.S. men’s national team’s hopes of reaching the Copa America knockout stage took a major hit Thursday night in Atlanta, Georgia.

Gregg Berhalter’s squad scored first through Folarin Balogun’s goal but watched as Panama fought back to down the Americans 2-1 in Group C play. Tim Weah’s ejection in the 19th minute reduced the USMNT to 10 men while Jose Fajardo’s 83rd minute goal proved to be the winning strike.

It marks Panama’s second-straight victory over the Americans in respective tournaments.

The USMNT thought it had an early advantage after Weston McKennie’s rebound effort was roofed into the top corner. Chris Richards’ header off of Christian Pulisic’s free kick was pushed off the crossbar before McKennie followed up the play inside of the box.

However, VAR overturned the goal due to Tim Ream playing the ball in an offsides position, keeping the score 0-0.

VAR would have another major decision to make in the first half and this time it went against the USMNT in a big way. Weah was sent off after receiving a straight red card for pushing Roderick Miller in the head as the two jostled for position.

Despite being down to 10-men, the USMNT grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute. Antonee Robinson stole possession in the attacking third before laying off a pass to Balogun.

Balogun turned and ripped a left-footed shot off the right post and in to give the Americans an advantage. It marked his fourth senior goal with the USMNT.

However, the lead would only last three minutes as Panama tied things up at 1-1. The USMNT failed to clear Adalberto Carrasquilla’s pass, allowing Cesar Blackman to sneak a shot into the bottom-left corner.

Blackman’s shot deflected in off of Chris Richards’ leg, leaving Matt Turner to watch as the veteran defender celebrated with his teammates.

Ethan Horvath replaced Turner at halftime after the veteran goalkeeper collided with Blackman earlier in the half. The Cardiff City shot-stopper was tested early in the second half but punched away Edgardo Fariña’s powerful long-range shot.

VAR was called into action yet again after halftime substitute Cameron Carter-Vickers was whistled for a foul in the box. However, the penalty decision was overturned, keeping the score at 1-1.

Ricardo Pepi had a golden chance to boost the USMNT ahead in the 79th minute, but the substitute forward was unable to get enough power on his wide-open header in the box.

Panama would fight their way in front through Fajardo’s one-time finish in the 83rd minute. Abidel Ayarza’s pass allowed Fajardo to sneak in front of Carter-Vickers before rifling home past Horvath for a 2-1 lead.

Despite Carrasquilla being sent off for a hard foul on Christian Pulisic, Panama hung on for a second win over the USMNT in back-to-back years (2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup).

The USMNT closes group stage play on Monday, July 1 against Uruguay, needing a positive result to stay alive in the competition.