Gold Cup Crushers

07/13/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Panama Strikes Down U.S. Men’s National Team With Penalty Kicks (1-1, 5-4 PKs) in Gold Cup Semifinal

Down and out! The U.S. Men’s National Team lost to Panama in the Concacaf Gold Cup semifinal Wednesday night in San Diego (1-1, 5-4 PKs). In a match riddled with mistakes, blown chances, and offsides goal reversals, the U.S. still had a crack to get through before a penalty-kick letdown. It took the U.S. an extra-time equalizer from Jesus Ferreira (105’) — a sensational volley — to force PKs. Panama knocked through five out of six strikes from the spot, concluding with Adalberto Carrasqulla’s perfectly-placed dagger. Panama fired more shots on goal (5-3) and held more possession (56%-44%) as they outclassed the U.S. to reach the finals. On the other side, Mexico blanked Jamaica (3-0) to set up a Mexico-Panama finale on Sunday.

Gold Cup Semifinal Highlights

Panama def. USA (1-1, 5-4 PKs)

Mexico def. Jamaica (3-0)

Gold Cup Final

Mexico vs. Panama (Sun. 7:30 pm ET)

B/R: USMNT Loss to Panama Stuns Fans After Penalty-Kick Flop in Gold Cup Semis

Photo: Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images