USMNT shocked in Concacaf Nations League semifinals, lose 1-0 to Panama in huge upset

The inability to score goals was the difference in the end as the wasteful Americans were frustrated by the Panamanians

The United States men's national team were shocked in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals on Thursday, falling 1-0 to Panama thanks to a stoppage-time goal by Cecilio Waterman. The Americans had their chances but were wasteful all night, failing to take the lead in a game that they controlled for the majority.  The USMNT had chances with Josh Sargent hitting the post and Patrick Agyemang testing the keeper off the bench but they weren't able to break down Thomas Christiansen's 5-4-1 to get an eventual winner.

It's a flashback to Copa America where the United States also lost to Panama during the group stage,leading to crashing out of that tournament. They'll need to show growth between now and Sunday when they'll face either Canada or Mexico in the third-place game of this competition.

Given that it'll be a rival that they'll face in that match, it will be a meaningful experience even with it not being for a trophy. 

CECILIO WATERMAN AT THE DEATH🔥

PANAMA ARE HEADED TO THE CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE FINAL 🇵🇦 pic.twitter.com/3mKdPR668Y

— Golazo America (@GolazoAmerica) March 21, 2025

The result means the U.S. won't win the competition for the first time in history, taking a step back in a competition that was supposed to be a springboard ahead of the 2026 World Cup. 

[Mar 20, 2025 at 8:58 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Check out post match coverage

[Mar 20, 2025 at 8:54 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

GOAL! United States 0, Panama 1

It's a substitute Cecilio Waterman who cuts through the counter catching Joe Scally out and putting an excellent finish past Matt Turner. Panama then went over to to bring Thierry Henry into the celebration and the USMNT is up against it. 

[Mar 20, 2025 at 8:46 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Ohh Agyemang

He'll want that one back as Christian Pulisic's pass was into an excellent area. The Charlotte man wasn't able to get a strong finish on it and we're inching closer to extra time with three minutes plus stoppage time remaining. 

[Mar 20, 2025 at 8:41 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Almost a cinematic goal from Agyemang

After a Panama turnover, Agyemang was able to force a strong save out fo Panama by bodying a Panamanian defender. He brings something a little different to the match and it showed as he made something happen out of nowhere. With seven minutes remaining, the USMNT will dial up the pressure.  

[Mar 20, 2025 at 8:38 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Chris Richards will exit

He received treatment after going up for a header and will be replaced by Mark McKenzie. It could've also been a change from an abundance of caution with Richards also on a yellow card.

[Mar 20, 2025 at 8:27 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Changes incoming 

Needing to generate attack the MLS cavalry enters the match. Josh Sargent and Tanner Tessmann exit with Patrick Agyemang and Jack McGlynn entering. Sargent didn't see a ton of the ball in the match but with this shift, the USMNT will get a little more dynamic in build up.

[Mar 20, 2025 at 8:18 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Diego Luna is among the players warming up

As the game goes on without the USMNT finding a goal or a way through the middle of the pitch, it does call for changes and someone like Luna's direct nature could help make something happen in this clash. 

[Mar 20, 2025 at 8:11 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Having Tyler Adams back is great

The USMNT midfielder has been there to clean up every attack that has come his way. It's quite an important role especially when some of those are coming via mistakes in possession. 

[Mar 20, 2025 at 8:03 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Back underway for the second half

No changes for the USMNT out of the break but it will be a time to see if the USMNT can break down Panama's defense by making adjustments. 

[Mar 20, 2025 at 7:48 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Halftime thoughts

It's nice to finally get a look at how Pochettino's attempt at troubleshooting considering the absences in the team, especially on the wings with Musah and Weah playing relatively new roles on the wing for the national team. They will definitely be happy about the fact that Panama didn't manage a single shot on target but with just one shot on target (from Josh Sargent 19 minutes in, who was unlucky not to score at some point this half), there's definitely room for improvmeent htere.

The USMNT headed into the tunnel at halftime to some boos, potentially from the Mexico fans who are trickling into SoFi Stadium.

[Mar 20, 2025 at 7:39 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Checking in

More than 35 minutes into the first half, the USMNT is holding a possession advantage over Panama with Carrasquilla being the ball-dominant player on the position as expected. Sargent has been in good spaces but hasn't found his goal yet while the USMNT press is making it quite tough for Panama to advance the ball forward.

[Mar 20, 2025 at 7:26 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Offside, but pressure is building

Tim Weah was flagged offside in the build-up with Sargent putting the ball in the back of the net. It was an excellent finish from the Norwich man and as this game goes on, it's clear that the USMNT has enough in possession to net a few goals. They just need a little more space.

[Mar 20, 2025 at 7:21 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Off the post

So, so close for Sargent as excellent movement created a great attacking chance. The USMNT couldn't convert it into a goal but it was their best moment of this young match. That could be enough to spark them to life after a tepid start.

[Mar 20, 2025 at 7:10 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Panama's first attack

Is cut out by Tyler Adams. Chris Richards got pushed off the ball but the USMNT was aware enough to clean that up for a corner kick. The defense can't afford these kinds of mistakes but it's also when it's great to have a player like Adams back in the fold.

[Mar 20, 2025 at 7:03 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

It's closer to a back three

In possession, Musah is pushing as more of a wing back with Joe Scally falling in line as a third center back to press Panama. Considering the USMNT's strength in possession, this could create some trouble for los Canales

[Mar 20, 2025 at 7:00 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

United States 0, Panama 0 (2H)

[Mar 20, 2025 at 6:54 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Almost time to get going 

A spot in the Concacaf Nations League final is on the line.

[Mar 20, 2025 at 6:45 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Prediction

Even with absences in the squad, the USMNT will be able to emerge with a victory at home as a clear style begins to emerge under Pochettino. Pick: United States 2, Panama 0

[Mar 20, 2025 at 6:40 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Quite an opportunity for Josh Sargent leading the line 

[Mar 20, 2025 at 6:34 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Matt Turner starts in net

While he's gotten the lion's share of minutes for the national team, Turner has only played 360 minutes of soccer for Crystal Palace since the last Nations League match in November. That's in comparison to Zack Steffen and Patrick Schulte both logging over 3,500 minutes each for their clubs. Turner hasn't shown signs of rust yet which is a credit to his preparation but at what point is a change between the sticks warranted?

[Mar 20, 2025 at 6:20 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Hello from SoFi!

Checking in with about an hour until kickoff in Inglewood, and Panama are already out for warm-ups ... even if there's almost no one sitting in their seats just yet. The fans will undoubtedly trickle in closer to kickoff and especially so in the buildup to Canada-Mexico, but there's no denial that a 4 p.m. local kickoff on a Thursday is going to be brutal for attendance at the first game. Not quite the crowd one might expect for the USMNT's opening game at the World Cup in this very stadium in a year-plus, I'd guess.

[Mar 20, 2025 at 6:17 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Check in to the prematch coverage

[Mar 20, 2025 at 6:15 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Panama storylines

Improving under Thomas Christensen, Panama have quietly become the fourth best team in Concacaf and since 2020. With Adalberto Carrasquilla in midfield, this is a team that can control the pace in midfield and Anibal Godoy brings steel alongside him which is where this is where the match will be won or lost.  

[Mar 20, 2025 at 6:05 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

USMNT storylines 

While the USMNT will enter this match with confidence, it's also the first camp for multiple players under Pochettino. In preparation for the 2026 World Cup, Pochettino will need to see as many players as possible to figure out their strengths and weaknesses which is where there is also a lot to gain from this camp without players like Robinson. It will help Pochettino figure out what depth he can trust and where he may need to work during the Gold Cup window. The USMNT have dominated Concacaf play recently but their one home loss to domestic opposition in their last 30 matches was also to this very Panama side.  

[Mar 20, 2025 at 5:50 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

The XI is in

This one's a bit curious on if it's a back four with Tim Weah in defense or if Tyler Adams will actually be needed in defense for the USMNT with the absentees from this squad.

USMNT Starters: Matt Turner, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Joe Scally, Yunus Musah, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Tanner Tessmann, Christian Pulisic, Josh Sargent, Tim Weah

[Mar 20, 2025 at 5:47 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

How to watch and odds

• Date: Thursday, March 20 | Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: SoFi Stadium -- Inglewood, California
• TV: CBS Sports Golazo Network | Live stream: Paramount+
• Odds: United States -350; Draw +390; Panama +850

[Mar 20, 2025 at 5:47 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Hello and welcome

Nations League play returns and expectations are high for the USMNT as they're the only team to have won this competition in its brief history. Mauricio Pochettino will look to find a winning formula without Antonee Robinson but with Tyler Adams back into the XI and Josh Sargent leading the line, the USMNT will have plenty to push Panama during the match.