USA Faces Survival Battle in Copa America After Panama Upset
ATLANTA: A moment of madness from Timothy Weah has left the USA’s Copa America campaign hanging by a thread following a shocking 2-1 defeat to Panama on Thursday.
Juventus winger Weah was sent off in the 18th minute after an off-the-ball clash with Panama’s Roderick Miller during the stormy Group C encounter at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Four minutes after Weah’s dismissal, Folarin Balogun put the USA ahead, but Panama’s numerical advantage soon told as Central Americans secured victory with goals from Cesar Blackman and Jose Fajardo.
The loss means the USA must win or draw against strong Uruguay in their final group match next Monday to progress.
US coach Gregg Berhalter said the red card was the game’s defining moment, calling Weah’s actions “foolish.”
“The game-changing moment was obviously the red card, and it put us in a tough spot, but we expected that from them,” Berhalter said.
“I can’t fault the effort of the group, especially after going a man down. The guys dug in and we came very close to getting a point. But it’s frustrating because there was more in this game for us, and Timmy’s foolish decision left us short.”
Meanwhile, Weah took to social media to apologize for his red card.
“A moment of frustration led to an irreversible outcome, and for that, I’m deeply sorry to my teammates, coaches, family, and fans,” he wrote on Instagram.
“I sincerely apologize to everyone. My love for this team goes beyond football, and I’m so sad and angry at myself for leaving my brothers to face tonight’s challenges alone.”
Berhalter’s team could have taken the lead in the 81st minute when Weston McKennie’s fine run and cross found substitute Ricardo Pepi at the far post. Pepi’s skillful header fell into the arms of Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera, keeping the score at 1-1.
The missed opportunity proved costly, as Fajardo put Panama 2-1 up seven minutes later, finishing off Abdiel Ayarza’s low cross impressively.
Tensions flared in the closing minutes after Panama’s Adalberto Carrasquilla was shown a red card for a harsh challenge on USA captain Christian Pulisic, but Panama held on for the win.
“At the end of the day, this is football,” said US midfielder Tyler Adams afterward. “We knew what we signed up for, and we knew playing in Copa America would be a battle.”
“Credit to Panama, they did their job and got the result. Moving forward, I think we need to control our emotions in certain situations.
“After the red card, the team fought for everything. You can’t fault that effort. But we’re still in a position where we have to fight in the next game.”
Adams noted that Weah had apologized to the team for his rash ejection.
“You never want to see a red card in any circumstances,” Adams said. “That’s not who he is.
“He apologized to the team. And you know, respect to the rest of the team because they fought for every ball, every duel, every minute, and we still created chances even after going down to ten men.”
Uruguay will face Bolivia in the final Group C matches on Thursday.