The U.S. men’s national soccer team was unable to withstand sustained pressure from Panama after Timothy Weah was sent off early in the first half and ended up winning 2-1 in their Copa America group stage.
The U.S. national team is looking for another win in the group stage after beating Bolivia on Sunday. Monday’s game against Uruguay would be meaningless if the U.S. wins, as it only takes a six-point lead to advance to the knockout stages.
The match against Panama got intense and the game started with Weah.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
United States player Tim Weah reacts after being ejected from the 2024 Copa America Group C match against Panama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on June 27, 2024. (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
The veteran American striker shoved the back of a Panamanian player’s head in the 18th minute and was sent off with a red card and automatically ejected.
Although Weah was initially given a yellow card, the referee pocketed the yellow card and showed the red card as Weah had already left the pitch. From that point on, the United States trailed by one player and Panama took advantage.
U.S. national team player Timothy Weah gets red card for hitting Panamanian player in the head
The United States took the lead in the 22nd minute when Folarin Balogun scored his second goal of the America’s Cup when his left-footed shot hit the right post. But Panama responded four minutes later when Cesar Blackman fired a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Matt Turner for the first of his career. international goals.
Turner ended up on the U.S. National Team bench after a bad collision in the first half resulted in a leg injury. Turner finished the first half but was replaced by Ethan Horvath in the second half.
Panamanian players celebrate after winning the 2024 America’s Cup Group C match against the United States at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on June 27, 2024. (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
The Panama team took advantage of one man to continuously attack the US team. Defense was the key. The US team switched to a five-man backcourt, three midfielders and one forward. But Panama finally patiently broke through in the 83rd minute.
A minute earlier, Ricardo Pepi failed to convert Weston McKennie’s cross to give the United States the lead, with Panama’s José Fajardo A pinball cross was redirected through Horvath and Panama’s substitute rushed onto the field to celebrate the score.
As America goes into desperation mode, the game gets ugly. Panama’s Adalberto Carrasquez was sent off after raking Christian Pulisic’s legs, sparking a scuffle.
Despite only having 10 players on both sides, the U.S. had some set pieces available but failed to do so.
Team USA’s Weston McKennie looks frustrated after losing during their 2024 America’s Cup Group C match against Panama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta. (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Click here to get the Fox News app
When the final buzzer blew, Panama had won its third match against the United States in history.
The United States will now face 15-time Copa America champions Uruguay on Monday, needing a win to advance to the group stage.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage on Xand subscribe to Fox News Sports Gathering Newsletter.
