July 13, (THEWILL) – The US Men’s National Team’s journey in the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup came to an end early on Thursday, as they suffered a 5-4 defeat in a penalty shootout against Panama.
The semifinal clash saw the teams play to a 1-1 draw after extra time at the Snapdragon Stadium. The USMNT, having played 120 minutes in their previous match, faced consecutive penalty shootouts for the first time in their history. Although Jesús Ferreira continued his impressive form with his seventh goal of the tournament, it was not enough to secure victory as Panama’s triumph propelled them to the Gold Cup final.
The match presented an early opportunity for the USA to take control when Cade Cowell went for the early lead but his first-minute shot struck the post. However, it was Panama, who dominated possession in the first half and threatened the US defence with Ismael Diaz and Yoel Bárcenas coming close to scoring.
Both sides put in valiant efforts to get in front without much success until the end of regulation time. It was Panama that took the lead late in extra time with a brilliant piece of individual skill from extra time substitute, Ivan Anderson, who chipped the ball over Matt Turner before breaking the deadlock. But, Ferreira drew the US level with a spectacular volleyed shot that left Orlando Mosquera no chance of saving. With the game deadlocked at 1-1 at the final whistle, the teams proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Panama emerged triumphant.
This marked the 12th meeting between the United States and Panama in the Gold Cup, with Panama emerging victorious for only the second time in the competition’s history. Panama now sets its sights on the final, scheduled to take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on July 16, where they will take on Mexico, who beat Jamaica 3-0, as the Panamanian squad aims to secure their first-ever Gold Cup title.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
