Tim Weah Gets Red Card For Punching Panama Player, USMNT Scores Right After

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Roller coasters might not have as many ups-and-downs as the US Men's National Team experienced in the first 25 minutes of their Copa América group stage match against Panama. 

The Americans entered the contest 1-0-0 after beating Bolivia on Sunday. They entered the contest against Panama as heavy favorites and seeking revenge. 

Panama defeated the USMNT in penalty kicks last year during the semifinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, knocking them out of the tournament. 

But this USMNT has the talent to make a run in the Copa America, and much of that was on display against Bolivia. 

USA's forward #20 Folarin Balogun celebrates scoring his team's first goal with USA's defender #13 Tim Ream during the Conmebol 2024 Copa America tournament group C football match between Panama and USA at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 27, 2024. (Photo by EDUARDO MUNOZ / AFP)

It appeared the team's momentum carried over to Thursday night's match. Less than five minutes into the game, USMNT found the back of the net. Unfortunately, after video review, officials ruled the play offsides and negated the score. 

That was bad news for the United States squad, but it was about to get a lot worse. 

Seemingly out-of-nowhere, the referee called for another video review. It turned out that USMNT forward Tim Weah had struck a Panama player in the head completely away from the ball. 

The referee showed Weah a red card, knocking him out of the match and leaving the US team with just 10 players for the rest of the contest. 

Playing man-down for nearly an entire match certainly put the USMNT at a severe disadvantage, but they quickly showed that they still came to play. 

Less than five minutes later, the team found the back of the net again. This time, though, the goal was scored legally and put the USA up 1-0. 

If you thought the action might slow down for a minute, you'd be very wrong. Panama quickly responded, taking advantage of the USA playing with one fewer man. 

For those who think watching soccer is boring, the first 25 minutes of this match were the exact opposite. It was one of the craziest starts to a match that I've ever seen. 

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to OutKick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named "Brady" because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.