The United States’ reign as CONCACAF Nations League champions ended with a shock 1-0 defeat to Panama in Inglewood, California, on Thursday. A stoppage-time goal from substitute Cecilio Waterman secured a historic victory for Panama, who will face Mexico in Sunday’s final. Mexico defeated Canada 2-0 in the other semi-final.
The USMNT, three-time defending champions and the only team to have won the tournament since its inception in 2019, had hoped to avenge a loss to Panama at last year’s Copa America, a result which led to the dismissal of then-coach Gregg Berhalter. However, despite dominating possession and creating several chances, they were undone by a late defensive error.
Panama, content to defend for much of the match, capitalized on a US giveaway. Waterman, a late substitute, received the ball on the right side of the area and fired a shot into the bottom left corner.
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed his frustration after the match: “We are USA. You cannot win with your shirt, or you cannot win if you play here, there or I don’t know. You need to show, and you need to come here and be better and suffer and win the duels and work hard. If not, it’s not going to be enough.”
The US had chances to score throughout the match. Josh Sargent saw an effort hit a defender and then the post in the 19th minute, and Weston McKennie’s header from a Timothy Weah cross was saved by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera. Sargent also had a goal disallowed for offside.
Mexico Overcome Canada
In the other semi-final, Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over Canada in California. Fulham forward Raul Jimenez scored both goals.
Jimenez opened the scoring inside the first minute, capitalizing after Roberto Alvarado’s shot was deflected into his path. Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies came closest to an equalizer in the first half.
Jimenez sealed the win in the 75th minute, scoring directly from a free kick after Stephen Eustaquio fouled Santiago Gimenez.
The results set up a Panama-Mexico final on Sunday, while the USMNT will face Canada in the third-place game. The US will look for silverware.
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