USA soccer coach Gregg Berhalter says USMNT were punished by Tim Weah’s lapse, singles out referee [Video]

U.S. men’s national team head coach Gregg Berhalter defended his team’s performance in their 2-1 loss to Panama in the Copa America on Thursday, arguing that they were good enough to come out with a point despite the disadvantage of Timothy Weah’s 18th minute red card.

“I know the result is really disappointing,” Berhalter said in his post-match press conference. “I can’t fault the effort of the group, especially after going down a man. The guys dug in and we were close to coming out with a point but it’s a shame because there was more in this game and silly decision by Timmy that leaves us shorthanded … One lapse, we got punished for it.”

Weah received a red card for shoving Panama’s Roderick Miller, which led Panama to dominate in possession and shots for the rest of the game. Though the hosts responded with …