USMNT looked confident in their approach, heading into the clash against Panama. Yet, their confidence was curb stomped to the ground, as Panama registered a shock 2-1 win over the Copa America hosts. Tim Weah‘s red card in the first half played a huge role in the decision with Team USA forced to play most of the game with a man disadvantage. The loss could be a big setback for the team as they now need to win their last game against Uruguay if they want to make it to the knockouts.

USA head coach Gregg Berhalter did not pull his punches while discussing the game during the post-match interview as he claimed Tim Weah’s red card cost his team the game. While many fans were not happy with the manager for throwing the player under the bus, former USMNT star Herculez Gomez has come out in Berhalter’s support.

Gomez spoke on Weah’s red card on X as he called the player’s frustrations dumb, “That’s such a dumb thing to do. Tim Weah has to know better. Regardless of the Panamanian player making a meal of it or not, you cannot do that!” He further added, “This is dumber and potentially more costly than the Red Sergino Dest received vs Trinidad & Tobago. Cannot believe Weah did this.”

The USMNT also defended the head coach following the defeat as he claimed the loss wasn’t on the manager as Tim Weah cost his team the game. Gomez’s comments come just moments after Gregg Berhalter claimed Weah’s red card put his team in a major disadvantage.

USMNT head coach displeased with Tim Weah following major blunder

Things got heated in the first of the contest as Tim Weah found himself on the receiving end of a red card. The player lost his calm in the 17th minute of the contest as he swung at Panama’s Roderick Miller. This did not sit well with the match referee who consulted VAR before sending Weah off. Head coach Gregg Berhalter was not pleased with his players following the game as he let his thoughts known.

The USMNT manager stated, “Tim got bumped, and he reacted. He apologized to the team. I think he understands what a difficult position he put the group in. Nonetheless, it happened and as a result, we lost this game. But we have to move on and figure out how to win the next game.”

The team will be without the services of Weah for their final group clash as they face table-toppers Uruguay. It will be interesting to see if the team can beat the former champions to make it to the knockouts of the tournament in front of the home fans.