Panama made a huge surprise as they beat USA 2-1 in the group stage of Copa America. USA had to play with 10 men since the 18th minute after Timothy Weah was sent off. However, USA managed to take the lead first in the 22nd minute through Folarin Balogun.
Panama intensified their attacks with the advantage of having more players on the pitch until got the first goal in the 26th minute. In the second half, Jose Fajardo sealed the deal for Panama with his late goal. Five minutes after Fajardo’s goal, Panama were also down to 10 men with Adalberto Carasquilla being sent-off but the score line stood until the final whistle.
Panama National Football Team Player Ratings vs USMNT
Goalkeeper
Orlando Mosquera (6.5/10): Had only one save despite his team’s dominance over the ball possession.
Defenders
Eric Davis (6.6/10): Successfully made Weah frustrated which led to the latter’s violent behavior towards Miller.
Roderick Miller (6.6/10): Defending really well that Tim Weah struck the back of his head.
José Córdoba (6.4/10): With the advantage of having more players on the pitch, Panama’s defenders have more composure in anticipating dangerous threats
Edgardo Fariña (6.3/10): His partnership with Cordoba had a tough challenge from the opponents’ attacking unit
Michael Amir Murillo (6.4/10): Had to deal with the likes of Gio Reyna and Christian Pulisic which was a tough task for him.
Midfielders
Yoel Barcenas (6.5/10): One of those players who put USA under siege after being down to 10 men.
Adalberto Carasquilla (6.6/10): Had a good vision towards the opponent’s goal net but still found it hard enough to break in.
Cristian Martinez (6.6/10): He made several accurate passes to open the defence in the opponents’ area
Cesar Blackman (7.2/10): Rescued his team from embarrassment by scoring a leveler to keep the game even.
Forwards
Eduardo Guerrero (6.4/10): Practically, Guerrero was Panama’s target man with his dangerous move at the front.
Subs
Jose Fajardo (7.3/10): Came on as a sub to score a match-winning goal for Panama.
Freddy Gondola (6.7/10): Won duels in the midfield to keep the possession for Panama, lead to their late goal.
Abdiel Ayarza (7.4/10): Made an assist to put Panama ahead and win the game
Manager
Thomas Christiansen (7.5/10)
USA National Football Team Player Ratings vs Panama
Goalkeeper
Matt Turner (6.2/10): Made several saves to prevent the opponent score more goals
Defenders
Antonee Robinson (6.9/10): Tried to make himself useful from a performance down the flank.
Tim Ream (6.3/10): The senior player had quite a busy day at work. Particularly when the USA were down to 10 men in 20 minutes.
Chris Richards (7.2/10): Shows a good mentality in terms of leadership at the back.
Joseph Scally (7/10): Provided options through the right flank, especially with the help of McKennie.
Midfielders
Tyler Adams (6.4/10): When Reyna was actively opening spaces using his visionary passing skill, Adams kept his position in the midfield
Weston McKennie (6.4/10): The Juventus midfielder played an underrated role in keeping the ball’s composure for the USA.
Gio Reyna (6.6/10): Actively looked for a space with his passes as the USA squad were outnumbered by the opponents.
Forwards
Christian Pulisic (6.6/10): Provided attacks and passes from the left side of the pitch, working hand-in-hand with midfielders to create chances.
Timothy Weah (3.1/10): Something was going on inside his head as he stuck the opponent’s head inside 20 minutes
Folarin Balogun (7.2/10): Kept himself pulled together even when the USMNT were down to 10 men after Weah was sent off.
Subs
Ethan Horvath (6.3/10): Made some saves in the second half but still being overwhelmed by Panama’s attacking squad.
Cameron Carter-Vickers (6.4/10): The duels he won couldn’t save USA from a defeat.
Johnny (6.4/10): Helped his team to defend from Panama but the siege was inevitable, leading the team to concede at the end.
Ricardo Pepi (6/10): Couldn’t score another goal for USA after replacing the initial goal scorer Balogun
Johan Sargent (6.5/10): Couldn’t keep his team from losing after being outnumbered for most of the time of the game.
Manager
Gregg Berhalter (6.8/10)
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