Panama Stuns USMNT with Last-Minute Victory in Nations League Semifinal
Wow, what a shocking turn of events in the Concacaf Nations League semifinal! The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has once again found themselves on the wrong side of history, as Panama secured a dramatic 1-0 victory with a stoppage-time goal from Cecilio Waterman. This heartbreaking loss eliminates the US from the tournament final and leaves them to battle for third place against either Mexico or Canada.
For Mauricio Pochettino, the new head coach of the USMNT, this was a tough pill to swallow. After taking charge of the squad following Gregg Berhalter’s dismissal, he had hoped to steer the team towards stability and success. But once again, Panama proved to be a nemesis, having already bested the US in last year’s Copa América and the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup.
The match itself was intense but frustrating for US fans. The Americans started with high pressure, forcing Panama into long balls and turnovers. However, despite creating some good chances, they just couldn’t find the back of the net. Josh Sargent had a shot deflected off the post in the 20th minute, and Weston McKennie’s close-range header was easily saved. Despite their efforts, the US simply lacked the finishing touch.
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Then came the moment of magic—or heartbreak, depending on your perspective. In the dying minutes of stoppage time, substitute Cecilio Waterman latched onto a pass from Adalberto Carrasquilla and fired a perfectly placed shot past Matt Turner. The stadium fell into stunned silence, while Waterman celebrated in style, even jumping onto the CBS Sports broadcast stage to embrace Thierry Henry, his childhood idol.
After the game, the frustration among US players was evident. Tyler Adams summed it up best: “Again, another small moment from nothing, and it’s a goal. We need to look in the mirror… We can’t wait for something to happen. We have to make things happen.” Pochettino echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that his team lacked the necessary aggression and risk-taking to win.
The loss not only ends the USMNT’s bid to defend their Nations League title but also raises concerns just 14 months ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host. The empty seats at SoFi Stadium only added to the embarrassment, highlighting a lack of excitement around the team’s performance. This was a night where the US needed to make a statement, but instead, they were left searching for answers.
For Panama, this victory is historic. They now have a chance to win their first-ever Concacaf Nations League title. Their determination and hunger on the pitch were undeniable, and they took full advantage of the moment when it mattered most.
As for the USMNT, the road ahead is clear—they need to regroup, fix their attacking woes, and find a way to rise to the occasion when it truly counts. Sunday’s third-place match may not be the final they wanted, but it’s now a crucial test of character. Will they bounce back, or will this defeat linger as a sign of deeper problems? Only time will tell.
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