United States Crash Out of Copa America After 1-0 Loss to Uruguay
The United States needed a positive result against Uruguay to advance to the quarterfinals of the Copa America. After a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Panama last week, the USA fell again, this time a 1-0 loss to Uruguay, who ultimately topped Group C after winning all three games. The United States did not make it out of the group stage for the first time since 2007 when they lost all three games in Venezuela. With many players competing for well-respected European clubs, the general expectation was for the United States to make it out of their group and push for a top-four finish at the Copa America. Head coach Gregg Berhalter’s job is under severe pressure, with the 2026 World Cup coming up soon.
Despite lacking goals in the first half, it was not short of any action. Injuries to Maximiliano Araújo, and Folarin Balogun and many fouls between both sides took up large chunks of the first 45. Referee Kevin Ortega made several controversial calls, letting harsh challenges fly and not allowing the United States to play the advantage off an Uruguay handball. With the game scoreless at halftime, Uruguay had the advantage with four shots and 53 percent possession. The USA could not create chances in the final third, only attempting one shot.
The second half saw the United States create more scoring opportunities but lacked the final touch needed. Christian Pulisic, Josh Sargent, and Haji Wright took shots that were unable to find the back of the net. Uruguay broke the deadlock in the 66th minute off a free kick when Mathias Olivera tapped in the ball off the rebound of a Matt Turner save. The goal was checked by VAR and stood, but replays showed that Olivera was offside before the ball fell right to his feet. Regardless of the call, the USA could not score and crashed out of the Copa America, disappointing many.
Players like Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Gio Reyna are quality players who can change the game in the blink of an eye. That was not the case in this tournament, as the United States lacked goals and intensity in both of its losses. A 2-0 win against Bolivia to begin the tournament looked promising, but ultimately, it only served as a glimmer of hope for what could have been with a very talented USA squad.
