The United States’ journey in the Copa America ended abruptly on Monday with a 1-0 loss to Uruguay, while Panama secured their spot in the quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over Bolivia.
Needing to match or better Panama’s result against Bolivia to advance, US coach Gregg Berhalter’s team fell short against a disciplined Uruguay side.
Captain Christian Pulisic expressed disappointment, acknowledging their initial energy but admitting they lacked the necessary quality to succeed.
Early hopes of advancing were dashed as Panama took the lead against Bolivia, briefly revived when Bolivia equalized.
However, Uruguay’s controversial goal through Mathias Olivera on 66 minutes, deemed valid after a VAR review, extinguished US hopes further.
News of Panama’s subsequent goals sealed the USA’s fate, prompting renewed scrutiny over Berhalter’s leadership.
Despite his reinstatement in June 2023, after guiding the team to the 2022 World Cup, questions persist about his ability to lead the US into the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
The defeat highlighted Berhalter’s struggles against top-ranked teams, with only five wins in 20 matches against such opponents during his tenure.
Defensive lapses and a lack of offensive prowess were evident as the US managed just three shots on target in a lackluster display against Uruguay.
US defender Antonee Robinson criticized the officiating but emphasized that responsibility for the loss rested with the team’s own shortcomings.
“We didn’t show enough quality in the final third,” Robinson remarked. “Ultimately, we weren’t good enough today. This loss is on us.”
