INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — In a thrilling encounter at SoFi Stadium, Cecilio Waterman delivered a breathtaking performance, scoring a remarkable goal in the fourth minute of second-half injury time. This stunning strike propelled Panama to a 1-0 victory over the three-time defending champions, the United States, securing their place in the CONCACAF Nations League final.
Waterman received a precise pass from Adalberto Carrasquilla down the right flank, maneuvering through a tightly packed U.S. defense. With a deft right-footed diagonal shot, he found the far left corner of the net, marking his 11th international goal. Remarkably, this was Panama’s only shot on target throughout the match, yet it was enough to secure a spot in the final against either Mexico or Canada.
“Many good things have happened to me in my career, but this one is different,” Waterman expressed after the match. “This one was incredible.” The 33-year-old striker, currently plying his trade in Chile, celebrated his monumental goal by tearing off his jersey and leaping onto the advertising boards, eventually climbing onto a broadcast stage to share the moment with soccer legend Thierry Henry, who appeared equally astonished by the outcome.
“You are my idol!” Waterman shouted repeatedly in Spanish, before embracing Henry, a renowned figure in soccer history. This victory marked another significant milestone for Panama, as they have now defeated the U.S. three consecutive times in competitive matches, following earlier victories in the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal and the group stage of the 2022 Copa America.
Coached by Thomas Christiansen, Panama has consistently surpassed expectations during his tenure. This latest triumph further solidified Los Canaleros' reputation, following their impressive quarterfinal victory against Costa Rica in the Nations League last November. “This is the third time we have been in this position,” Waterman noted. “This time, we want to give that gift to Panama. We want to achieve something for them, for Central America.”
In contrast, the defeat was a significant setback for U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, who took over from Gregg Berhalter six months ago after the team’s disappointing first-round exit at the Copa America. Following the match, Pochettino acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “I’m very disappointed because I don’t think the way we approached the game was the right way.” He highlighted the team’s slow play in the first half and lack of aggression both offensively and defensively.
The United States, missing key players like Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson due to injuries, came close to equalizing in the eighth minute of injury time. Tyler Adams, making his return to the national team after recovery from back surgery, missed a clean shot from just outside the penalty area off a cross from Christian Pulisic.
This victory represents one of the most significant wins in Panama's soccer history, especially considering they lost to Mexico in the 2023 Gold Cup final at the same venue. Three days prior to that final, Panama had also achieved a dramatic upset over the U.S., winning 5-4 on penalty kicks in the semifinal.
“I think the guys played a great match,” Christiansen remarked. “The only way to beat the U.S. is with tactical discipline and order, and then a little luck. That has to be with you, and it was with us this time.”
For the first time, the CONCACAF Nations League trophy will not remain in the United States, as the Americans had dominated the tournament since its inception in 2019, winning the first three editions. Despite having the best chances in the first half, including a shot from Josh Sargent that hit the post and a header from Weston McKennie that went straight to the goalkeeper, the U.S. struggled to find the back of the net. Sargent did manage to score in the 24th minute, but the goal was ruled offside in the buildup, leaving him without a goal for the U.S. in 5 and a half years.
