“An Absolute Embarrassment” – Fans Rip Into USMNT After Shocking CONCACAF Nations League Exit Against Panama

USA’s bid for a Fourth Straight Nations League Title Ends As Cecilio Waterman’s Stoppage-Time Goal Sealing Panama’s 1–0 Win.

The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) are out of the CONCACAF Nations League as they lost 0-1 to Panama in the semi-finals on Thursday. This shocking loss and exit ended their target for a fourth consecutive title. The match will remain a heartbreak for all fans considering USMNT dominated for most part of the game.

Yet, a stoppage-time goal from Cecilio Waterman sealed the deal for Panama at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. USMNT dominated possession (67%) and even outshot Panama 12 to 3. Even then, Mauricio Pochettino’s boys failed to capitalize on any of their chances.

Josh Sargent hit the bar in the 19th minute, while later on, another good chance from a powerful Weston McKennie header was saved by the Panama goalkeeper, Orlando Mosquera. Sargent actually found the back of the net once, but the goal was ruled out due to Timothy Weah being offside in the buildup.

USMNT were determined to find that elusive lead in the second half which forced Panama to defend deep but succeeded in that. On the other side of the field, USMNT were left stunned when they made a defensive lapse and allowed Adalberto Carrasquilla to set up Waterman who did not make any mistake to bury the ball into the net.

Also Read: Nations League Quarterfinals Results, March 20 – Kylian Mbappe’s France Struggles, Cristiano Ronaldo-Led Portugal Stunned by Denmark

With this win, Panama registered their third straight competitive win over the USMNT. Breaking the pattern, for the first time since the tournament’s inception back in 2019, the CONCACAF Nations League trophy will not stay in USA.

Fans Rip into USMNT and Coach

Following the shocking defeat, fans took to social media to blast out of their frustration. Missing so many chances certainly frustrated the fans as much as it did the players. Fans ripped into the team’s inability to convert chances and their continued struggles in major tournaments.

Also read: England Men’s Football Fixture: What Are the Upcoming Games for England National Football Team?

Check out some reactions:

Maybe the USA just focuses its best athletes in football, basketball, baseball, and hockey.
— ZachHoague (@zachou55) March 21, 2025

Some criticized Pochettino’s tactics as well while others questioned the team’s mentality ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Other nations ripped into the USMNT fans after the defeat as well. One other national team fan said, “Maybe the USA just focuses its best atheletes in football, basketball, baseball, and hockey.”

The USA remains completely unserious about men’s football. https://t.co/XkoCKp1gF7
— Chip Welch (@Chipper_SC) March 21, 2025

A USMNT fan wrote, “The USA remains completely unserious about men’s football.”

Maybe Poch should stop talking about winning the World Cup and talk about winning in CONCACAF
— 11 Yanks (@11Yanks) March 21, 2025

Another X user wrote, “Maybe Poch should stop talking about winning the World Cup and talk about winning in CONCACAF.”

Watching Mexico 🇲🇽 fans be happy for the first time in 4 years while USA 🇺🇸 got dunked on is actually a depressing feeling 😭💔

My national team needs to make a major comeback this summer and up until the 2026 World Cup or else I might retire from watching football ong 🙏🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/5YlkaSSVAa
— Nabhuto (@Nabhuto) March 21, 2025

Me when I watch the USA national football team knowing it will all go down in flames pic.twitter.com/JGmCPROd1a
— Jay (@JayTical) March 21, 2025

Losing to Panama is an absolute embarrassment
— Nick Pietrowicz (@NickPietrowicz) March 21, 2025

The US soccer team will now play a match for the third-place against Canada, while Panama will face Mexico in the finals.

CONCACAF Nations League

US Soccer Team

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.