Atlanta, Georgia – In a moment of madness during a crucial Copa América match, Tim Weah, the 24-year-old winger for the U.S. national team, received a red card for punching an opponent in the back of the head. The U.S. team faced a tough 2-1 defeat against Panama, leaving their path to the quarterfinals uncertain.
Despite being down to 10 players after Weah’s dismissal, the Americans managed to take the lead with a goal from Folarin Balogun. However, Panama capitalized on their man advantage and turned the game around, ultimately securing the win with a goal from José Fajardo in the 83rd minute.
Captain Christian Pulisic expressed disappointment with their performance, acknowledging Weah’s mistake and emphasizing the need for the team to learn from the situation. The loss against Panama now puts pressure on the United States as they head into their final group stage match against Uruguay.
The defeat comes as a setback for the U.S. team, who are using the Copa América as preparation for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Coach Gregg Berhalter emphasized the importance of representing the country with pride and passion, urging the team to give their best in the remaining matches.
Panama also finished the game with 10 men after Adalberto Carrasquilla received a red card for a foul on Pulisic. Despite the challenges faced by both teams, Panama managed to secure a crucial victory against the United States.
The match was marred by controversial referee decisions, including a penalty kick awarded to Panama that was later overturned after a video review. The Americans had their chances, but ultimately failed to capitalize on key opportunities, leading to their defeat.
With one more match left in the group stage, the U.S. team faces a must-win situation to keep their tournament hopes alive. The pressure is on as they prepare for a crucial showdown against Uruguay in their quest to advance to the quarterfinals.