From a strong start to a disappointing end, the US Men’s National Soccer Team lost 2-1 against Panama in the Copa América, making Monday’s game the deciding factor on if the US will move on.
Missed the game but don’t want to look like a fool when it gets brought up in conversation? Don’t worry, I’ve got you.
First Half
8’ Minutes In: US Gets One Called Back
At the eight minute mark, number 8 Weston McKennie scored bringing the score to 1-0. The goal came from off of a set piece put in motion by Christian Pulisic (#10) who sent the ball right towards Chris Richards (#3) in the middle of the box who then headed it into the goal. Panama’s keeper (Mosquera) blocked the attempt by Richards, causing the rebound to go back into the box. A touch from Tim Reams (#13) brings the ball to McKennie who crushes it into the net.
Then, it goes to VAR for a potential offsides call. Fans wait with bated breath to hear the ref’s answer to the question, was Reams offside when he touched the ball?
The ref ruled that yes, Reams was offside and the score went back to nil-nil.
Screenshot From Fox Sports
18’ Minutes In: 11 Men Start, 10 Men Finish
At some point or another, we’ve all had an intrusive thought that we’d never act on. Well, it seems like the Tim Weah (#21) acted on his today. In the 17th minute of the game he decided to wack Panama’s Roderick Miller (#25) in the back of his head. Why? I have no clue.
Initially he received a yellow card, and then it went to VAR. After looking at the incident again, the card was changed to a red and the US was down a man for the rest of the game.
22’ Minutes In: US Takes The Lead
Down a man, the US knows the game won’t be easy, but a goal would help. In comes Florian Balogun (#20) with a beautiful shot turned goal.
It all started with Miles Robinson (#12) running down the left side of the field. Balogun finds a space and after some back and forth passes between Robinson and Balogun, Balogun hits the ball with his left foot and the ball flies into the net. Only four minutes after the they went down a man, the US gained an advantage with a 1-0 lead against Panama.
25’ Minutes In: Panama Ties It Up
Wouldn’t it be terrible if Panama scored shortly after? It would, and they did. In the 25th minute of the game Panama’s Ceaser Blackman (#2) managed to find an opening while surrounded by US players and took the shot. The ball managed to slip past Matt Turner (#1) letting Panama tie up the game 1-1.
Halftime
Turner Out, Horvath In
During the first half Turner faced a collision with Panama’s Blackman and suffered a leg injury. He continued to play the rest of the first half but was subbed out during halftime, being replaced by Ethan Horvath (#18).
Second Half
83’ Minutes In: Panama Takes The Lead
Up until the 83rd minute, nothing too exciting happened. Some fouls, some shot attempts, the usual for a soccer game. Then, Panama scored. An assist from Abdiel Ayarza (#5) led to José Fajardo (#17) putting it in the back of the net. A crushing goal for the US, and a beacon of light for Panama.
88’ Minutes In: 10v10
During the 88th minute, Panama’s Adalberto Carrasquilla (#8) decides to join the red card club alongside Weah. Carrasquilla, taking a note from lumberjacks around the world, decided to take a chop to Pulisic’s leg as he was making a run. Unsurprisingly, Carrasquilla was given a red card and then the field was even again. Ten men on each side, and two minutes (plus extra time) left in the game.
The End
In the end the Panama stayed on top with the game ending 2-1. With one more matchup left before the group stages end, the US needs a win against Uruguay on Monday to move on.
Check Out The Full Highlights Here!
Will the US win against Uruguay? Will Luis Suárez bite someone during the match? Find out on Monday July 1st at 9pm ET on Fox Sports.
