Panama stun USA to record famous 2-1 win in 2024 Copa America

USA’s Timothy Weah was shown red card.

After a comfortable win against minnows Bolivia in the Group C opener, the United States looked to build on their winning start to the 2024 Copa America as they faced Panama at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The USMNT got off to a frantic start when Panama nearly took the lead through Edgar Barcenas, who showcased his flair with an audacious bicycle kick attempt that went just wide of Matt Turner’s goal.

The United States had their chance next, thinking they had scored the opening goal courtesy of midfielder Weston McKennie. However, the goal was eventually ruled out after a VAR check, keeping the scores level at 0-0.

To rub salt in their wounds, the US were reduced to 10 men within the opening 20 minutes of the match when winger Timothy Weah’s yellow card was upgraded to a red following a VAR review.

Despite the setback, Gregg Berhalter’s side quickly regrouped and took the lead just minutes later through striker Folarin Balogun, who scored his second goal of the tournament with an absolute banger from the edge of the box to put them 1-0 up in the 22nd minute.

However, the lead was short-lived, as just minutes later, Panama notched the equalizer when César Blackman placed his shot beyond goalkeeper Matt Turner’s reach to bring the match level.

In the final quarter of the half, both sides created decent opportunities to take the lead, but they failed to capitalize on them in the final third, keeping the game level at 1-1 heading into the break.

At the start of the second half, Gregg Berhalter was forced into a goalkeeper change as Ethan Horvath came in for Matt Turner, who had suffered a hefty collision earlier in the game. With a man down, the USMNT shaped into a defensive setup for the rest of the match as Panama looked to be aggressive on the attack.

Around the hour mark, Panama thought they had a penalty when substitute José Fajardo drew a foul inside the box after a challenge from the USA’s Cameron Carter-Vickers. However, Gregg Berhalter and his USMNT breathed a sigh of relief when the penalty decision was overturned after a VAR check.

Panama’s continued positive approach eventually paid off when super sub José Fajardo found the back of the net to give Panama a stunning 2-1 lead in the 83rd minute. However, Panama too was reduced to 10 men after Adalberto Carrasquilla was shown a red card for violent conduct.

Panama nervously held onto their narrow lead against the USA to record a famous 2-1 win and keep their hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds alive.

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