Panama defeats the United States in Copa America clash | OneFootball

ATLANTA — Panama earned a 2-1 victory over the United States in Group C of the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America on Thursday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Edgar Barcenas nearly pulled off the spectacular with a bicycle kick attempt in the 2’, but his hit went just over the crossbar.

Tim Weah received a red card in the 18’, leaving the U.S. with ten players for the rest of the match.

Folarin Balogun scored the opening goal in the 22' with a left-footed hit that rebounded off the right post and into the left netting.

Cesar Blackman equalized for Panama in the 26' with a ground hit inside the penalty arc.

Ethan Horvath subbed in for the injured Matt Turner to start the second half. Horvath had his first test in the 51’ to divert a long-range hit from Edgardo Fariña.

Michael Amir Murillo struck on frame in the 74’, but Horvath caught the attempt.

Ricardo Pepi had a header inside the box in the 81’ but was denied by Orlando Mosquera.

Jose Fajardo broke through with Panama’s second goal in the 83’ with a strike inside the box. Abdiel Ayarza fought for possession of the ball at the edge of the box to provide the assist.

Adalberto Carrasquilla was sent off in the 88’ as Panama was left a man down for the final minutes of the encounter.

Both Concacaf nations have three points in hand and will look to win during the final matchday on Monday to secure their spot in the knockout round. The United States and Uruguay will play in Kansas City, while Panama meets Bolivia in Orlando.

FACT:

This was Panama's first victory against the United States in their first meeting in the CONMEBOL Copa América. Panama and the United States had drawn 1-1 the last time they faced each other in the semifinals of the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, with Panama winning on penalties 5-4.

Out of the last 8 times they have faced each other, the United States won 5 and lost 3 games.