(Atlanta) American Tim Weah inexplicably punched an opponent, dealing a major blow to the United States’ chances of reaching the quarterfinals of the Copa América.
Jose Fajardo beat substitute goalkeeper Ethan Horvath in the 83rd minute to give Panama a 2-1 victory over the short-handed Americans on Thursday in Atlanta, putting the host nation in danger of elimination.
The United States had to play almost the entire match with a man down after a Weah punch behind Roderick Miller’s head in the 18th minute earned him a red card.
“You never intend to get a red card. No way, said teammate Tyler Adams. He apologized to the team. »
Weah also issued a public apology on social media.
“I let my team and my country down,” he said. A moment of frustration that had an irreversible consequence, and for that I am deeply sorry to my teammates, my coaches, my family and our fans. »
Folarin Balogun still gave the home favorites the lead in the 22nd minute, but Cesar Blackman responded four minutes later.
Horvath, who replaced the injured Matt Turner at halftime, saw Fajardo’s point-blank shot go through his arms, and Panama beat the United States for just the third time in 27 games.
“A win tonight would have put us in a great position, and unfortunately the opposite happened,” said U.S. captain Christian Pulisic. I’m proud of the effort with which we responded after what obviously happened, but I’m really very disappointed [with the result]. »
The United States, which opened the tournament with a victory over Bolivia, will likely have to beat Uruguay on Monday in Kansas City to finish among the top two teams in Group C and clinch a spot in the quarterfinals. .
Panama lost 3-1 to Uruguay and will finish the round robin against Bolivia.
Panama also ended the match one player short after Adalberto Carrasquilla received a red card in the 88th minute for tackling Christian Pulisic from behind. The United States threw everyone forward in a desperate attempt to tie the game – including Horvath – but Panama held on.
Darwin Nunez scored in a seventh straight international game and Uruguay defeated Bolivia 5-0 in East Rutherford to move within a quarterfinal spot.
Facundo Pellistri gave the Uruguayans the lead in the eighth minute and Nunez doubled the advantage in the 21st with his 10th goal in his last seven outings for his country.
Maximiliano Araujo scored his second goal of the tournament in the 77th, then Federico Valverde (81st) and Rodrigo Bentancur (89th) added goals.
Uruguay, which is trying to win its 16th title in this tournament, is 2-0 with a plus-7 goal differential.
Bolivia have lost a 14th straight match at the Copa América, their last victory coming in 2015.