USA v Panama Recap – Group C Showdown

Pre-Match Expectations

A subtle sense of confidence had settled in as the USMNT approached Panama for their second match of Copa America’s initial group stage. A feeling that they had found a slight stride joined the simple feeling of excitement after two consecutive results showed the U.S. finding success. A strong American lineup looked poised to earn a win and meet a very achievable goal against a less polished Panama. A win could potentially push the U.S. team through to the next round, but high stakes still existed for the southern opponent; and in a gritty cup such as Copa America, Latin American teams die hard. A looming game against a strong Uruguay placed a proverbial monkey on the back of the Americans as this ‘should win’ match against Panama commenced.

First Half Analysis

The game started with a pace that matched the level of my excitement to watch our boys. A buzzing stadium and a pretty pitch set a great stage for the show. The U.S. looked focused with intent as an early opportunity found us attacking immediately. Sharp movement of the ball and a strong shaped formation showed that the American team was ready to perform. The second I found myself thinking we had the upper hand, Panama let off a warning shot. A quick cross, met by an athletic bicycle kick, soared just high of the crossbar, showing a level of danger that existed within this Panamanian team.

VAR Interventions

What looked to be an early goal by American midfielder Weston McKennie quickly became an overturned call due to an offside teammate. The overturned call came from VAR (Video Assistant Referee), which would seemingly become more involved (and more annoying) as the game moved on. The VAR system is in place to clean up the game but can feel overly infringing when utilized too often throughout a match. This feeling would sadly recur in the physical form of a center ref, who seemed informed by the soccer gods to spoil any American fun.

Defensive Struggles and Goalkeeper Injury

A few sketchy moments of defense for the U.S. led to some gifted opportunities for the Panamanian attack. This open door should have instead had no invitation. The mini-barrage culminated in a game-changing collision between goalkeeper Matt Turner and a committed Panama striker. After treatment, the American goalkeeper looked excited to return to play but was clearly damaged as he would later be subbed out at halftime due to a leg contusion.

Red Card Incident

In the 18th minute, the game would change as the U.S. made the decision to self-implode. Often a moment of brilliance will change a match, but sometimes it’s a moment of stupidity that does just the same. An off-the-ball interaction between a Panama defender and American forward Timothy Weah left a blanket of nerves draped across a nation as the head referee headed to the VAR screen. Replays showed a swift punch to the head delivered by Weah. A complete lack of composure led to an easy decision. In this moment, the high hopes of the American team and its passionate fan base were consumed by a showcase of selfishness. Weah’s face seemed ironically emotionless as a supercharged nation collapsed into a puddle of emotions. Immediate regrets that the earlier McKennie goal was disallowed set in as the haunting task of playing a man down loomed. In the wake of the decision, a lull crept over any initial excitement for the U.S.

Moments of Brilliance

As the scale of difficulty seemingly presented itself, a moment of brilliance from a much-needed source struck U.S. soil. A quick opportunity found Folarin Balogun with a glance at goal just inside the 18-yard box. An absolute banger of a left-footed strike rang off the far post, bouncing deep into the opposite side net. A stunning goal for the Americans, a huge goal for the young striker, and a much-needed lead against a team with an upper hand. This much-needed lead was found while still having fuel in our tank.

Panama’s Equalizer

Yet, the highs and lows of life are often reflected in this beautiful game of soccer. The glorious American 1-0 lead lasted nearly four minutes before Panama flexed their athletic and passionate skillset once again. Panamanian striker César Blackman found a sliver of opportunity, unleashing a sneaky far-post slotted shot that deflected off a defensive leg and quickly past an outstretched Turner.

Second Half Dynamics

The second half of play carried a very different feeling throughout. The undermanned American team seemed to settle in defensively in an attempt to protect a 1-1 draw. Looking up to the task, the remaining ten men dug deep in defending and counter-attacked when possible. With substitutes aiding a defensive stance, the American shape looked engaged and driven.

Defensive Efforts and VAR Challenges

As it happens to most undermanned teams at some point, the U.S. defense quickly turned from strong-footed to a scramble as we clawed for traction. More trips to the VAR screen left nervy moments for the American defense, including an overturned penalty to the safety of the U.S. But for many experienced viewers, the feeling that a slip in step was building. A desperate crowd continued to roar louder as it attempted to insert energy into a taxed American team. The few strong opportunities for the U.S. ended with tired touches.

Panama’s Winning Goal

Then, the inevitable happened. In the 83rd minute, a Panamanian attack created a building pressure. A few sharp passes led to a precise service of the ball, met by a clean flush from Panama striker José Fajardo. The winning touch could be seen coming from miles away. The shot was just high of second-string goalie Ethan Horvath, but a powerful hit left little time to react. The American goalie scenario would only lead to hypothetical questions about the failed effort. As heartbreaking of a game-winning goal as it was, I found myself sulking deeper into my chair with a sad acceptance of defeat. We had fought long and hard, against the soccer gods that continually serve most teams with extra men. Panama had also fought hard to capitalize on a golden opportunity for the nation’s history. This fight was clearly by ‘any means necessary’ as the Panamanian captain blatantly hacked Cristian Pulisic to stop an advancing attack, earning an immediate red card from the over-involved center ref. This fiery moment in the game leveled the playing field, but the 88th-minute infraction had very little effect on the game compared to Weah’s 18th-minute undermining moment.

Closing Thoughts

A few last-minute chances by a desperate US team proved their destiny set, as each final shot seemed powerless or far from target.

Another defeat. A familiar feeling. Another sense of underperformance. The early red card completely changed the face of the game. The singular decisions of blind pride still represent the team as a whole unit. A hard fail from the American team stung extra for an overly hyped fan base. I immediately questioned whether I continue to mismanage my expectations. Do we believe too much? Will we ever meet our self-set standards? Is my fandom too much heart, and too little brain? A few questions that permeated my thoughts. No matter the answers, a huge blow to the American soccer program that expects so much.

Looking Ahead: USA vs Uruguay

We now must beat Uruguay. Our backs are against the wall. This will be a moment of judgment in front of the entire world. With Greg Berhalter’s job on the line, high pressure will clearly be applied to current leadership. A poor result against Uruguay could completely derail a nation and crush a building fan base. Within the small window of hope that still exists for the USMNT, I kneel and pray to the soccer gods as a final resort. Please join me, as we look to the sky.

USA faces Uruguay on Monday night in Kansas City in a fate-deciding match.

Post Match Interview by OleMundo’s Gavin Shippen

Post Match Interview by OleMundo’s Gavin Shippen

Post Match Interview by OleMundo’s Gavin Shippen

Post Match Interview by OleMundo’s Gavin Shippen