Panama eliminates USA with a stunning late goal

In a surprising match held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, Panama defeated the United States 1-0 on March 20, 2025, during the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals. The only goal of the match came from Cecilio Waterman, who scored in the fourth minute of second-half injury time. This victory propelled Panama to the final where they would face Mexico. The game marked the third consecutive competitive win for Panama against the United States, following their successes in the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the last year’s Copa America. The defeat was particularly disappointing for U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, who was aiming to prepare the team for the 2026 World Cup in their home country. Pochettino expressed his disappointment with how the team approached the game, stating that they played too slow in the first half. The Americans had the best chances but failed to convert, including a shot by Josh Sargent that hit the post and a header from Weston McKennie that went directly to the goalkeeper. The U.S. side controlled much of the possession but lacked creativity and finishing, leading to criticism of their performance. Despite having opportunities, the team again struggled to mount a consistent offense, which Pochettino acknowledged as a significant issue going forward. The match highlights the challenges facing the U.S. men's national team as they gear up for future competitions, with concerns over their attacking strategies and defensive vulnerabilities against more potent opponents.