Hosts USA is now in a dire situation in Group C of Copa America 2024 after a disappointing Matchday 2 result against Panama. USMNT led by captain Christian Pulisic hosted the Central American team at the Mercedez Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday. Coming off a 2-0 win on Matchday 1 against Bolivia, the Red and White Stripes were confident of winning the second group game to position themselves for the knockout stage. However, the situation was set up for a late drama.
Underdogs Panama managed to surprise the home team, clinching a 2-1 victory and opening up Group C. With this win, three teams stand with a win each and the same points. The final matchday will decide the fate of these teams, including Team USA, who is under immense pressure post the loss.
Let’s take a look at what went wrong with tonight’s favorite.
USA’s Timothy Weah’s Red & Folarin Balogun’s Early Goal
Team USA entered the field in Atlanta as favorites to win the game after showing promise against Bolivia. The starting 10 minutes had a lot of ball possession and even had a goal ruled out by the VAR. However, everything for the hosts went downhill from there. It was only the 18th minute when the striker Timothy Weah was shown a straight red after an off-ball clash with the Panama defender. Referee-in-charge Ivan Barton initially handed the Juventus forward a yellow card but the VAR intervened. The decision was then overturned into a red card. This means an automatic one-match ban for Timothy.
Despite such a setback, Team USA gave the crowd a huge boost when Antonee Robinson’s pass found Folarin Balogun. The AS Monaco forward scored his second goal of this edition of Copa America to give the home side the lead. However, the 10-men USA started coping with a lot of attacks from Panama, which resulted in a major setback.
Panama’s Cesar Blackman Equalizes Shortly Against USA
Right after Balogun’s goal in the 22nd minute, there was an offensive response from the away team which paid immediately. Panama’s midfielder, Cesar Blackman’s strike from just outside the box saw them make a comeback in the game. Despite six defenders inside the penalty area, none could stop the ball from finding the back of the net. The shift in momentum was seen right after the goal as the home team started panicking.
Robinson, who provided the assist for the US’ goal received a yellow in the 33rd minute in an attempt to stop Panama’s attack. Meanwhile, the away team’s striker, Eduardo Guerrero also found himself in the bookings for a silly foul right before the end of the first half. The home crowd took a sigh of relief when the referee blew the whistle and the players headed to the tunnel.
Historic Jose Fajardo’s Goal Sealed the Deal for Underdogs over US
With 74% possession, the away team dictated play as the home team tried to salvage points in the match. In an attempt to boost the defense, the home team brought in Cameron Carter-Vickers in place of midfielder Jeremy Reyna. Despite regular attacks, the hosts were able to hold off the away team for a lot of minutes and it looked like the US would find a way to draw the game. However, it wasn’t meant to be.
In the 83rd minute, forward Jose Fajardo managed to beat goalkeeper Ethan Horvath to give Panama the lead. Horvath is the US’ backup keeper who came in place of Matt Turner just at the beginning of the second half. Post the second goal, it was all about keeping the ball for Panama, as much as possible, however, there was a small twist waiting.
In the 88th minute, Houston Dynamo midfielder, Adalberto Carrasquilla received a red card for his tackle on Christian Pulisic. This brought the two teams to 10 men each but it was too little too late for the US. Despite a few efforts here and there, the game ended with a 2-1 score, in favor of the away team.
This upset now leaves USMNT on the verge of elimination as they will face giants Uruguay on the final matchday of Group C.