Atlanta: A moment of madness from Timothy Weah ended the United States Copa America campaign with a 2-1 defeat by hosts Panama on Thursday.
Juventus’ Weah was sent off in the 18th minute after an off-the-ball collision with Panama’s Roderick Miller in the Group C match at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Although Folarin Balogun gave USA the lead four minutes after Weah’s dismissal, Panama’s extra man advantage eventually paid off and the Central Americans won with goals from Cesar Blackman and Jose Fajardo.
Defeat means the United States must win or draw against leaders Uruguay in their final group game next Monday.
Uruguay secured a place in the last eight with a 5-0 win over Bolivia in East Rutherford on Thursday.
Meanwhile in Atlanta, US coach Gregg Berhalter said Weah’s red card was the defining moment of the match after his side’s defeat, describing the sending off as “absurd”.
“The incident that changed the game was obviously the red card and it put us in a difficult position, but we expected them,” Berhalter said.
“I can’t fault our team’s effort, especially after one man went down. The lads dug in and we came close to coming out with a point. It’s a shame because there are many ways in this game and Timmy’s stupid decision made. We’re stupid.”
Weah took to social media to apologize for his red card.
He wrote on Instagram: “A moment of frustration led to an irreversible result and for that I am very sorry to my teammates, coaches, family and fans.”
