Panama beats USMNT in chaotic game at Copa América

Panama beats USMNT in chaotic game at Copa América

ByABC News

June 27, 2024, 8:09 PM

A red card to Timothy Weah and an injury to goalkeeper Matt Turner proved too much for the United States to overcome in a 2-1 loss to  Panama at the Copa América on Thursday in Atlanta.

José Fajardo scored the decisive goal for Panama after a wild scramble in front of the U.S. goal, and  Adalberto Carrasquilla was also sent off for a reckless tackle on Christian Pulisic in a game that left both teams on three points after two games.

A chaotic opening 20 minutes saw the U.S. looked to have taken the lead through Weston McKennie, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside, before Weah was sent off with a straight red card for hitting Panama's Roderick Miller in the head.

Despite losing a man, the U.S. took the lead shortly after Weah's dismissal when Folarin Balogun scored with a sublime left-footed strike from distance.

Panama hit right back, though, as the ball fell kindly to César Blackman at the top of the area and his low shot took a slight deflection and beat Turner to make it 1-1.

Ethan Horvath came on for Turner at half-time, as the U.S. No. 1 could not continue after being on the receiving end of a hard foul in the first half. The Cardiff City keeper was immediately tested with a swerving knuckleball that he parried away to keep the score level.

The U.S. benefited from a VAR call midway through the second half after Cameron Carter-Vickers was whistled for a penalty in the area, but the call was overturned following a video review and the score stayed level.

In all, there were five yellow cards and two reds given over the course of the match.

The Americans chances to advance come down to their final game against Uruguay on Monday, where they will likely need a win to reach the quarterfinals. Panama plays Bolívia on the same day.