USMNT falls to Panama on late goal in Nations League semifinal

For the first time since the competition was established in 2019-2020, the United States Men’s National Team will not be playing in the Concacaf Nations League final.

The U.S. was denied a chance to play for a fourth straight title on a late game-winning goal from Panama’s Cecilio Waterman, who put his team’s only shot on goal in the back of the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Waterman’s winner followed a couple of big missed opportunities for Charlotte FC striker Patrick Agyemang, who entered the match along with former Union midfielder Jack McGlynn in the 68th minute.

Former Union homegrown Mark McKenzie (Bear, Del.) earned his 18th senior national team cap in the match, replacing the injured Chris Richards in the 79th minute.

The U.S. outshot Panama,12-3 (five shots on target), earned nine corner kicks to the visitors’ three and enjoyed two-thirds of the possession but will have to settle for a third place match against the loser of the Mexico and Canada semifinal instead of a chance to become the first men’s team – club or country – to win four straight Concacaf competitions.

Sunday’s match will be at 6 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on Paramount+ and Univision.