US leaves Panama after Snapdragon shooting

By Sam Nicholson in San Diego

July 13 – Panama stunned a tired United States out of ideas in a Gold Cup semi-final that ended in a 5-4 penalty shootout. Getting to the penalty shootout flattered the United States on this first visit to Snapdragon Stadium for the men's national team.

Kick-off was in 95+ degree heat in Southern California, but the predominantly American crowd failed to create any home advantage for Team USA. The Panamanian players, who had virtually no support, could be heard from all corners of the stadium as they sang their national anthem.

Perhaps it was an omen for an American team including the superstar youth who had performed so well to win the Nations League but returned to Europe to their clubs. If this was a tournament meant to help prepare a competitive team for the 2026 World Cup, it now looks like a wasted opportunity.

It also marked the end of USA's 29-game unbeaten streak against Concacaf opposition and the final game of BJ Callahan's interim tenure as USA head coach. Callahan's tenure started off spectacularly but ended in real disappointment.

It was the second time in four days that the Americans were pushed to 120 minutes and on penalties. They will now pass their Gold Cup crown to Mexico or Panama on Sunday.

USA set the pace early on, pressing high and creating a chance within a minute of coming off the post. Followed by momentum, high pressure and home field advantage: USA looked the most threatening in the first 10 minutes, getting behind Panama's back five three times with passing passes and willing runners. /p>

In the 11th minute, Turner makes a routine save that signals the emergence of the Panamanian threat and the unfolding of his game plan.

In the 21st minute, a whipping Panama cross from the left side was met by a header that should have challenged Tuner to make a save.

In the 28th minute, a practice field move saw a short Panamanian corner kick regain possession to then throw a ball over the top which ends with the ball in the back of the net, but Édgar Bárcenas is ruled slightly offside.

Panama did not attack in waves. In the 39th minute, a reduction in the penalty area should have been drilled home. In the 43rd minute, a well-worked back-and-forth forces an error from Matt Turner that could have ended anywhere, but to no avail for Panama.

While the United States set the tone early on, as the half progressed, Panama slowly took control of the game. Panama played tirelessly under the pressure and pressure of the top three Americans and would have been disappointed to end the half with at least a one-goal lead.

Tactically, Thomas Christiansen was one step ahead of his counterpart.

Panama set up a structured 5-4-1 in defence, but quickly switched to a 3-4-3 in possession, showing great composure and a willingness to keep the ball and play. 'stretch every inch of the field. The two midfield generals No. 8 and No. 20 dictate the game, allowing the three Panamanian forwards to stretch and sometimes the four wooden American fullbacks.

The United States stuck to their systematic and traditional 4-3-3. While they started the match with high tempo, they lost footing and control of the game where final decision making and quality was lacking. The United States had adjustments to make at halftime but were reportedly confident they could punch holes in Panama's 3-5 transition return and vice versa.

Panama started the half as USA started the game with an early scoring chance. But in the 51st minute USA signaled that they were beginning to regain the rhythm and control of a game they had not mastered. A delivery from the right side did not find a connection.

A minute later, another chance is wasted by Brandon Vasquez. A direct ball is thrown and is followed by a cross from the right side to an open and free header.

In the 56th minute, the American crowd finally made their voices heard, with 31,000 people yelling at the linesman for stopping an American block as they entered the final third.

Callahan's half-time adjustments worked with his team holding a higher line in midfield and containing Panama in their own half and starting to force technical errors at the back.

USA adjusted down the right, bringing in DeAndre Yedlin who injected pace and energy to get out and behind Panama to create the game's best chance. Jesus Ferreira should have scored.

When Panama fatigue began to set in, the United States established more possession. Callahan continued to love for similar changes while Panama also turned to his bench to change two of his front three.