The United States Men’s National Team fell short in the pursuit of claiming consecutive Gold Cups after falling to Panama on penalties 5-4 Wednesday evening.
B.J. Callahan made pre match adjustments to the line up by inserting Cade Cowell and Brandon Vazquez into the starting XI. The two would connect when Cowell’s early shot struck the post. The United States were able to maintain a bulk of the possession in the first half of the match. Panama would soon find success and create chances off of sloppy play from the United States.
The United States wouldn’t have many chances through the match offensively and would remain scoreless with Panama until the 98th minute of the match behind Panama forward Ivan Anderson’s finish with US goalkeeper Matt Turner well off of his line. The United States would equalize minutes later, just before the end of the first half of extra time behind a beautiful Jesus Ferreira volley.
Fatigue started to set in for the USMNT in the last five minutes of the match, receiving and dealing with Panama pressure inside the attacking third. Ultimately, the United States and Panama decided who would go through to the Gold Cup Final on penalties.
Ferreira would be the first to take a penalty for the red, white, and blue, where his attempt was easily saved by Orlando Mosquera. Panama’s Fidel Escobar and Ismael Diaz were able to slot their two penalties past Turner, followed by Djordje Mihailovic and Jordan Morris for the United States. Turner would save Christian Martinez’ penalty attempt, while Julian Gressel and Matt Miazga converted for the USMNT. Mosquera would save Christian Roldan’s attempt and Panama’s Adalberto Carrasquilla would blast the ball to the upper left corner to solidify Panama in the Gold Cup final for the first time since 2013 against Mexico on July 16.