Jose Fajardo netted a late goal, keeping Panama’s dreams of Copa America quarterfinals alive with a 2-1 win over the U.S. on Thursday.
The host squad was down to 10 players by the 18th minute at Mercedes-Benz Stadium when Timothy Weah got a straight red for a brutal tackle on Roderick Miller.
Despite this, the U.S. snagged the lead four minutes later. Folarin Balogun partnered with Antonee Robinson, unleashing a left-footed rocket into the top-right.
Right-back Cesar Blackman swiftly leveled the score, defeating goalkeeper Matt Turner with a low shot from outside the box.
Panama commanded about 75% possession and completed nearly triple the passes of the U.S., who leaned into counterattacks.
The Central Americans had other plans, and Fajardo made it 2-1, slotting in a 12-yard shot via Abdiel Ayarza’s assist.
Drama spiked as Panama’s Adalberto Carrasquilla took down Christian Pulisic near the end, earning a straight red. The Houston Dynamo midfielder saw red two minutes from time.
Nevertheless, Panama weathered the storm, securing their inaugural tournament win. Thomas Christiansen’s squad now sits third in Group C, level on points with Uruguay and the U.S., but trailing in goal differential.
