Panama Stuns USMNT With Stoppage-Time Winner in Nations League Semifinal
- Jonathan Turner
- Mar 21
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Panama shocked the United States with a 1-0 victory Thursday night at SoFi Stadium, advancing to the CONCACAF Nations League final on a dramatic stoppage-time goal by Cecilio Waterman.
Waterman scored in the 94th minute, collecting a pass from Adalberto Carrasquilla on the right side of the box and firing a low shot past goalkeeper Matt Turner into the far corner. The goal ended the U.S. men’s national team’s bid for a third straight Nations League title and marked Panama’s third major-tournament win over the Americans since 2023.
The U.S. dominated possession and created several chances but failed to finish. Josh Sargent struck the post early, and the Americans had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half. Substitutes Ricardo Pepi and Patrick Agyemang were brought on to inject energy into the attack, but Panama’s defense held firm.
Panama, ranked 45th in the world, managed just three shots but made the most of their limited opportunities. The U.S. held 67% of possession and had 12 shots, but only managed four on target. Turner's opposite number, Orlando Mosquera, made key saves to preserve the clean sheet.
The loss adds pressure on the U.S. program with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon. It also marks Panama’s continued rise in regional play, following victories over the U.S. in the 2023 Gold Cup semifinal and the 2024 Copa América group stage.
With the win, Panama advances to face Mexico in Sunday’s final. Mexico defeated Canada 2-0 earlier in the night. The U.S. will play Canada in the third-place match, also at SoFi Stadium.
The defeat brings an end to the U.S.’s unbeaten run in Nations League competition and raises questions heading into a critical preparation period for the World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host alongside Canada and Mexico.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Have a story suggestion for the National Soccer Network regarding club/youth soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer involving teams, players or coaches with ties to a particular state or states, news@nationalsoccernetwork.com.
NATIONAL SOCCER NETWORK ON-LINE AND SOCIAL MEDIA
NATIONAL SOCCER NETWORK ON FACEBOOK
TWITTER/X: https://x.com/natsoccertv
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/nationalsoccertv
NSN YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@NATIONALSOCCERNETWORKTV
— All Rights Reserved, Premier Media Group
Comments