Weah knocks down opponent, USA threatens Copa knockout.
US soccer players need "the best game of our lives" against Panama to avoid an early exit at the Copa America. In the second group game, there was a bitter loss. The team was down to ten men starting from the 18th minute.
Hosts USA are at risk of playing the role of spectators at the Copa America after their 1:2 (1:1) loss to Panama. The team, captained by Christian Pulisic, is tied with the Panamanians with three points. They need more points against table leaders Uruguay, who are all but assured of victory after a 5:0 (2:0) win over Bolivia. "We need to get out there and play the best game of our lives," Pulisic announced for the Monday match.
US striker Timothy Weah threw a wrench in the hosts' plans in the Group C match in Atlanta with his red card (18th minute). The son of George Weah, World Footballer of the Year 1995 and President of Liberia until this year, unnecessarily brought down his opponent off the ball near the midline.
Despite Folarin Balogun's second tournament goal (22nd minute) for the US Boys, with Joe Scally defending on the right for Borussia Moenchengladbach, Panama struck back through Cesar Blackman (26th minute) and Jose Fajardo (83rd minute). Adalberto Carrasquilla also received a red card (88th minute) to make the game even more exciting.
Uruguay quickly took control in East Rutherford with a goal from Facundo Pellistri (8th minute) and went on to win 4:1 against Panama. They followed up their 3:1 opening win with additional goals from Darwin Nunez (21st minute), Maximiliano Araujo (77th minute), Federico Valverde (81st minute), and Rodrigo Bentancur (89th minute), turning the game into a shooting gallery. In the end, Luis Suarez, at 37 years old, was able to make his Copa America debut.
Following their loss to Panama, USA needs a stellar performance against Uruguay to secure more points and potentially advance in the Copa America. Despite Christian Pulisic's call for the team to deliver their best match against Urugua, USA's chances seem challenging as Uruguay has already proven their dominance in the competition.
