The United States men's national soccer team failed to advance out of Group C at the Copa America, losing 1-0 to Uruguay in a match they had to win to advance to the knockout stages.
This is a disappointing ending for the USMNT, a team that was expected to be among the top two in the group, which included Bolivia and Panama.
However, after a surprising loss to Panama last week, the United States entered Monday night's game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City with a couple of scenarios in which it could be eliminated.
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Tyler Adams of the United States reacts during the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América Group C match between the United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 1, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
The first option, of course, was to win the match against Uruguay, which would have seen Panama defeated on goal difference unless it crushed Bolivia in its final group stage match. The second option was a draw in the Panama-Bolivia match, which again would have seen the United States advance on goal difference.
Things were looking good with Bolivia scoring its first goal of the entire tournament in the second half to tie the score at 1-1, while the United States and Uruguay were tied 0-0.
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However, everything changed when Mathias Olivera headed a ball away from a set piece, deflected by American goalkeeper Matt Turner, who saved an initial header that was heading straight for goal. The referees checked whether Olivera was offside, but the goal was eventually confirmed.
Then, when Panama started scoring more goals, the United States found itself desperate and needed a 2-1 victory to advance from the group stage.
Mathias Olivera of Uruguay celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's first goal during the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 Group C match between the United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 1, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Uruguay, which had defended well throughout the match, allowed the United States a chance when substitute Haji Wright appeared to have a chance to shoot, but two defenders crashed in during stoppage time to deflect it.
Ricardo Pepi asked for the ball to the side of Wright, who was completely unmarked but never received the pass.
In the end, the United States had just three shots on goal and eight shots total, while Uruguay won the possession margin 51% to 49%.
Christian Pulisic of United States reacts as he leaves the field after losing the CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024 Group C match between Panama and United States at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
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Instead of wondering who the U.S. will face in the knockout stage, the U.S. Soccer Federation will now have to determine whether head coach Gregg Berhalter, who some already see as an awkward position heading into this crucial summer, should remain in his post with the 2026 World Cup looming in the future.
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