USMNT’s Copa America Odds Plummet after Loss to Panama

It’s hard to imagine a worse result for the USMNT than Thursday’s 2-1 loss to Panama. They were -275 favorites to win, but an early red card to Tim Weah and an injury to goalkeeper Matt Turner led to a shocking defeat.

Now, a United States team that was -2000 to advance to the quarterfinals before the game is in dire straits heading into a likely win-or-go-home match Monday night against Uruguay.

Things appeared to start off with a bang for the second straight game when Weston McKennie buried a goal five minutes in. However, VAR overturned the goal because Tim Ream was offside.

The U.S. took a major hit a few minutes later when Panama’s César Blackman barreled into Turner. The goalkeeper laid on the ground for several minutes and received medical attention but managed to stay in the game. However, he didn't give it a go in the second half, as he was replaced by Ethan Horvath at halftime.

Things took another terrible turn for the U.S. in the 18th minute, when Weah was sent off for a reckless foul in which he punched Panama's Roderick Miller in the back of the head. He was initially given a yellow card before VAR determined it warranted a red. Weah will now miss the next game against Uruguay, while Turner's status is also in question.

Despite being down a man, the U.S. struck first on a beautiful strike by Folarin Balogun in the 22nd minute. Balogun took a quick touch from Antonee Robinson and blasted a left-footed shot from just inside the box off the left post and in.

Unfortunately for the U.S., Panama drew even less than minutes later when Blackman beat Turner with a shot into the lower left corner from the top of the box.

Panama dominated play the rest of the way, but it appeared the U.S. would salvage a point despite playing a man down. However, José Fajardo overpowered Horvath on a shot in the 83rd minute that the goaltender got his hands on but couldn't completely stop, ultimately handing the USMNT a gut-wrenching loss.

So, where does the U.S. go from here?

While the U.S. (No. 11) ranks ahead of Uruguay (No. 14) in the FIFA World Rankings, the latter is favored in their upcoming match. The U.S. is +195 to win while Uruguay is +145 and a tie +220. Meanwhile, Panama will face the perceived worst team in group play in Bolivia. Panama is -110 to win while Bolivia is +300 and a draw +250.

Assuming Uruguay beats Bolivia on Thursday night and Panama defeats Bolivia on Monday, the U.S. would need a win in its final match. Otherwise, they'll be watching the rest of the tournament from home while the fate of manager Gregg Berhalter will twist in the wind.