The United States’ hopes of another CONCACAF Nations League title are over after a stoppage-time goal from Cecilio Waterman gave Panama a stunning win.
Panama spent the bulk of the match defending but broke away in the closing seconds and substitute Waterman sent a shot into the bottom corner to upset Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
Waterman celebrated by jumping into the crowd and embracing former MLS striker Thierry Henry, who was broadcasting behind the goal.
Panama will now play Mexico in the final while the US take on Canada in the third-dourth place play-off.
¡Cecilio Waterman la manda al fondo de la red! 🇵🇦💥 pic.twitter.com/8Sh68sLuBE
— Concacaf Nations League (@CNationsLeague) March 21, 2025
“We are USA. You cannot win with your shirt, or you cannot win if you play here, there or I don’t know,” U.S. manager Pochettino said.
“You need to show, and you need to come here and be better and suffer and win the duels and work hard. If not, it’s not going to be enough.”
Norwich forward Josh Sargent nearly scored in the 19th minute when he broke free in front of the Panama goal, but his shot hit a defender and then the post before being cleared.
Moments later, Weston McKennie’s header was saved by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera. Sargent found the net again, but Weah was offside in the buildup, and the goal was ruled out.
Waterman then found a stunning winner which shocked the crowd.
“Many good things have happened to me in my career, but this one is different,” Waterman said. “This one was incredible.”
