It was a match that had it all. The U.S. lost to Panama 2-1. in the second group stage match of the Copa America on Thursday. Tim Weah was sent off in the 18th minute.The U.S. tried to get back in the game, but they just couldn’t hold on to a draw on a night when they had a chance to advance to the Copa America knockout stages. Here’s a look at how the team performed.
Goalkeeper: Matt Turner
It was a tough game for Matt Turner, but it wasn’t his fault as he injured his shoulder in a diving tackle by a Panama player. Turner could have played better in Cesar Blackman’s goal, but the injury affected him and he had to be replaced by Ethan Holbert at half-time.
Rating: 5
Left back: Anthony Robinson
Anthony Robinson had another outstanding performance in the game. There is no question that he is the best defender on the U.S. Men’s National Team. Robinson tried his best to create chances throughout the game and assisted Folarin Balogun on the goal. He was one of the players who lost out on Panama’s opening goal, but if he had challenged, it could have resulted in another penalty.
Rating: 6
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Centre back: Tim Ream
When the U.S. went down to 10 men, everything changed, as Ream’s passing was forced to become more direct, and while he did a good job of stifling Panama defensively, no one on the defense got any real glory during the game.
Rating: 5
Centre back: Chris Richards
Like most of the defense, it was a night Chris Richards would like to forget, despite coming close to scoring just five minutes into the game when he received a yellow card while defending Christian Pulisic who had been brought down on the pitch.
Rating: 5
Right back: Joe Scali
Again, the defense, including Joe Scully, did their best but it wasn’t enough, and there were moments, especially when Gregg Berhalter went to the back three, when Scully pushed forward well but just couldn’t get the job done.
Rating: 5
Midfielder: Tyler Adams
Tyler Adams was expected to play the full 60 minutes if the USMNT were able to field 11 players, but with everyone expected to do more running he had to be replaced by Jonny Cardoso at halftime. It was a game Adams would like to forget, but the early conceded goals made it a tough game for everyone.
Rating: 5
Midfielder: Weston McKennie
Although Tim Ream had a goal ruled out for offside, Weston McKennie was better in this game than he was against Bolivia. He had to do a lot in midfield to keep Panama on their toes, but for the most part he did what he could.
Rating: 6
Midfielder: Gio Reyna
Gio Reyna, sacrificed to make way for three defenders in the first half, is the standard candidate to be substituted when the team is down to 10 men. With just 12 touches in the first half and Weah’s red card having a knock-on effect on the rest of the team, Reyna’s performance was easily forgotten.
Rating: 5
Forward: Tim Weah
Where to start? The golden rule is to not touch your own hand, but Weah didn’t. He shoved a Panama player and received a well-deserved red card. He let his team down and will miss an important match against Uruguay. Because it was a red card for violent conduct, Weah could face further suspension if the USMNT goes on to win.
Rating: 3
Forward: Folarin Balogun
This was Folarin Balogun’s best game in a USMNT uniform. He was great in goal and participated defensively when the team needed him. Balogun did a great job for the team.
Rating: 7
Forward: Christian Pulisic
In moments of adversity, the captain needs to step up, but Pulisic didn’t take a single shot on target throughout the game, and poor set-piece development meant the USMNT couldn’t find that extra gear to push the attack further despite the stage being set for a step forward.
Rating: 5
Substitute: Ethan Holbert
Holbert, who replaced Matt Turner at halftime, reacted with both hands to Jose Fajardo’s goal but should have done more.
Rating: 5
Substitute: Cameron Carter-Vickers
They were lucky to not concede a penalty and then lost a man on a goal from Fajardo, with Carter-Vickers’ poor play glaring in just 45 minutes of play.
Rating: 4
Substitute: Johnny Cardoso
He came on at halftime for Tyler Adams but struggled to get back into the game.
Rating: 5
Substitute: Ricardo Pepi
They came close to scoring again in the game, but it just wasn’t enough. The USMNT needed a goal when Ricardo Pepi came on, but it just didn’t come.
Rating: 5
Substitute: Josh Sargent
He came on in the second half looking to score but didn’t get many touches on the ball.
Rating: N/A
Manager: Gregg Berhalter
While coach Gregg Berhalter did not take responsibility for Weah’s red card, a mid-game switch to a back three caused further confusion as players felt unsure of their roles. The combination of organizational issues and a lack of player effort led to Berhalter’s USA heading into one of the biggest group stage matches.
Rating: 5
