Adalberto Carrasquilla (R) clinched the victory for Panama over the United States in an intense penalty shootout, securing their place in the Gold Cup soccer semifinals on Wednesday in San Diego. The crucial goal by Carrasquilla marked the end of the match, propelling Panama to the final. This image captures the momentous occasion. (Photo credit: Etienne Laurent/EPA-EFE)
July 13 (UPI) — The United States Men’s National Team suffered a setback in their quest for the Gold Cup final, as they were defeated by Panama in a penalty shootout during the semifinals held in San Diego.
In the penalty shootout, Panamanian midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla skillfully placed his shot into the left side of the net, leading his team to a 5-4 victory over the United States on Wednesday at Snapdragon Stadium.
“We gave it our all,” expressed a disappointed Matt Turner, the American goalkeeper, to the reporters. “We left no stone unturned in our preparation for this game.
“We persevered through ups and downs. We made mistakes, but we also made impressive plays. Ultimately, it came down to the penalty shootout.”
Panama will face Mexico in the much-anticipated Gold Cup final on Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. Mexico secured their place in the final after a resounding 3-0 victory over Jamaica in the other semifinal held in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
“Our determination and willpower guided Panama to the final,” stated Thomas Christiansen, the Panama manager, emphasizing the team’s tenacity.
Throughout the regular 90-minute game, neither team managed to score. Panama had a moment of joy in the 28th minute when right wing Yoel Barcenas found the net, but unfortunately, it was disallowed due to an offside call.
Both teams continued to threaten with close shots, and once again, Panama appeared to take the lead in stoppage time.
However, their goal in the 93rd minute by forward Ismael Diaz was also ruled out due to an offside call.
It was in the first half of extra time that Panama defender Ivan Anderson finally broke the deadlock, securing a lead for his team.
Adalberto Carrasquilla played a brilliant long pass from midfield up the right flank, setting up the scoring opportunity. Anderson swiftly ran onto the ball and skillfully tapped it around an incoming Turner at the right corner of the box.
He smoothly finished the play by slotting the ball into the empty net in the 99th minute.
U.S. striker Jesus Ferreira equalized about six minutes later, stunning Panama’s goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera in the 105th minute.
Helping with the goal, fellow forward Jordan Morris delivered an assist. Defender Matt Miazga launched a long pass from the left flank near midfield, initiating the sequence.
The ball found its way to the top of the box. Morris out-jumped the Panama defense to execute a header, directing the ball toward an isolated Ferreira. With his right foot, the star striker fiercely volleyed the ball into the right side of the net, surpassing a diving Mosquera.
The second 15-minute half of extra time concluded without any goals.
Mosquera started the penalty shootout by making a diving save of Ferreira’s attempt. Panama defender Fidel Escobar, subsequently, delivered a strong shot up the middle to give his team a 1-0 advantage.
In the following rounds, both Djordje Mihailovic from the United States and Ismael Diaz from Panama successfully converted their penalties.
Morris elevated the spirits of American fans by beating Mosquera with a fantastic shot into the top corner. Turner then showed his skills by saving a shot by Panama’s Cristian Martinez, leveling the penalty shootout for the Americans.
Julian Gressel and Miazga successfully scored the next two penalties for the United States, while Barcenas and Panama teammate Cecilio Waterman mirrored their success.
In the end, Mosquera saved the Americans’ final attempt, taken by Cristian Roldan. Carrasquilla then sealed Panama’s victory with a confident shot into the left corner, surpassing Turner and securing their place in the final.
The Gold Cup final between Panama and Mexico is scheduled to take place on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. EDT. The match will be broadcasted on Fox. Mexico, a seven-time winner of the tournament, will aim to add another title to their record. On the other hand, Panama, who previously lost to the Americans in the 2005 final, will strive for their first-ever Gold Cup triumph.
