US Soccer Underperforms in Copa América

By Matt Speakman,
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Matt Speakman Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

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Last updated: June 28, 2024

An important battle took place in Atlanta, Georgia, Thursday June 27 — but we are not talking about the first 2024 CNN US presidential debate. Just down the road at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the US men’s national soccer team fought for their lives, metaphorically, when they went up against Panama during the Copa América tournament.

Bad news from USMNT

Unfortunately for USMNT, the team suffered a serious loss which puts them at risk of exiting the world-famous competition early. The team, its supporters and viewers all over the world probably feel added pressure on the current matches as the Euros (i.e. the UEFA European Championship) unfold an ocean away in Germany.

For soccer fans, all eyes are on these two tournaments as some of the sport’s top nations battle it out, not only for current glory but for good odds going into the next World Cup, which will take place in North America in 2026.

The outcome of Thursday’s match was seen as somewhat of a shock, at least as it was reported by the NY Times. Adding insult to injury is the fact that the US is this year’s host for the tournament.

What went wrong for the US men’s team?

Things took a bad turn right away. Player Tim Weah was given a red card after striking Roderick Miller, defender for Panama. Not only did this jeopardize Weah’s ability to show up for the team in the rest of the match, but it also means he will miss the next game which will see the team facing off with Uruguay. It gets worse: Weah will also miss the quarterfinal match – if the US team makes it that far.

The US team still managed to score thanks to Folarin Balogun. This was Balogun’s second point scored in two games, making him a standout player so far in the team’s tournament run.

However, Panama player Cesar Blackman came back strong, evening the score. After halftime, Jose Fajardo scored Panama’s second point, which was enough to clinch them the win.

Despite Panama also getting handed a red card and losing Adalberto Carrasquilla after a tackle on Christian Pulisic, USMNT could not wrangle the game back into their control before the end.

The demoralized team will face off with Uruguay — considered an even bigger opponent — on July 1. From there, there are only two weeks to go until the overall winner is crowned, and all teams can focus on the long road ahead to the World Cup.

USMNT players face abuse

Sadly, the loss of the match was not the only issue USMNT players faced on Thursday night. The team was also subjected to racist abuse online. U.S. Soccer shared a statement: “U.S. Soccer is aware of and deeply disturbed by the racist comments made online and directed at several of our Men’s National Team players following tonight’s match. There is absolutely no place in the game for such hateful and discriminatory behavior. These actions are not only unacceptable but also contrary to the values of respect and inclusivity that we uphold as an organization. U.S. Soccer stands firmly against racism in all forms and will continue to support our players.”

Of course, the results of the match are a popular betting activity for sports betting fans across the world – and especially for those in the US and Latin American countries. Though the US team is not out yet, the events of this game are sure to alter their odds in their next match.