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It's a disappointing finish for the USMNT, a team that was expected to finish among the top two teams 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 few scenarios in which they could fare well.
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Tyler Adams of the United States reacts during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between 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 was of course to win the match against Uruguay, which would have seen Panama beaten on goal difference, unless they destroyed Bolivia in their final match of the group stage. The second option was a draw between Panama and Bolivia, which would have allowed the United States to progress on goal difference.
Things seemed to be going well, with Bolivia scoring their first goal of the entire tournament in the second half to tie 1-1, while the United States and Uruguay were tied 0-0.
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But everything changed when, on a free kick, Mathias Olivera deflected a shot from American goalkeeper Matt Turner, who stopped an initial header towards goal. The referees checked if Olivera was offside, but the goal was ultimately upheld.
Then, as Panama started to score more goals, the United States found itself in desperation mode, needing a 2-1 victory to advance out of the group stage.
Mathias Olivera of Uruguay celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's first goal during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 1, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Uruguay, who remained solid defensively throughout the match, conceded a chance to the United States when substitute Haji Wright appeared to have a shot but two defenders stepped up in added time to push it away.
Ricardo Pepi was asking for the ball on Wright's side, and he was wide open but never received the pass.
In the end, the United States had just three shots on goal and eight shots in total, while Uruguay won possession by a margin of 51% to 49%.
Christian Pulisic of the United States reacts as he leaves the field after losing the CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024 Group C match between Panama and the 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 United States would see in the knockout stages, the U.S. Soccer Federation will now have to decide whether head coach Gregg Berhalter, who some have already put on the spot heading into this crucial summer, should stay in place heading into the 2026 World Cup.
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