The U.S. men’s national soccer team failed to advance out of Group C of the Copa America, losing 0-1 to Uruguay in a must-win game to advance to the knockout stage.
It’s a disappointing end for the U.S. Men’s National Team, which was expected to finish in the top two of a group that also included Bolivia and Panama.
But after a surprising loss to Panama last week, the U.S. entered Monday night’s game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City with several scenarios that could have helped it avoid elimination.
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United States player Tyler Adams reacts during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between USA and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 1, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Sean Clark/Getty Images)
The first option, of course, was to win the match against Uruguay, which would mean Panama would lose on goal difference unless they beat Bolivia in their final group game. The second option was for Panama to draw against Bolivia, which would also mean the U.S. would advance on goal difference.
The game was going well, with Bolivia scoring their first goal of the tournament in the second half to tie the score at 1-1, while the United States and Uruguay were tied at 0-0.
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But that all changed when Matias Olivera took a deflection from a set piece, smashed it in off U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner, and his header toward goal was saved by Turner. The officials checked to see if Olivera was offside, but the goal was allowed.
Panama then started scoring goals and the U.S. looked desperate, needing a 2-1 win to advance to the group stage.
Uruguay’s Matias Olivera celebrates with his teammates after scoring the team’s first goal during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 1, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Michael Reeves/Getty Images)
Uruguay, who defended tight throughout the game, gave the U.S. just one chance to shoot through substitute Haji Wright, but two defenders surged forward to block the shot in added time.
Ricardo Pepi was beside Wright demanding the ball but Wright didn’t receive it despite being completely free.
In the end, the U.S. managed just three shots on goal, eight total, and had ball possession 51 percent to 49 percent in favor of Uruguay.
United States’ Christian Pulisic reacts as he leaves the pitch after a loss during the CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024 Group C match between Panama and the United States at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
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Instead of worrying about which teams the U.S. Soccer Federation will face in the knockout stage, it needs to decide whether to keep coach Gregg Berhalter, who has already faced criticism, in his position heading into a crucial summer with the 2026 World Cup looming.
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