“The goal came seemingly out of nowhere. The U.S. had actually shown a bit of life in what had been a mostly lifeless Concacaf Nations League semifinal. Patrick Agyemang, the substitute forward, had a couple of good looks at goal. Weston McKennie had just unleashed a shot from the top of the box. But Panama, which had been so disciplined defensively, pushed the ball down the field in stoppage time. On the counter, the ball found its way to the right side of the box to Panamanian forward Cecilio Waterman. He took control and picked out the far post, beating the outstretched hand of Matt Turner in the 94th minute. …”
NY Times/The Athletic

Raúl Jiménez and a tested Mexico crush Canada’s Nations League hopes
“In the end, experience mattered. Raúl Jiménez, playing for the 109th time for Mexico, sunk an up-and-coming Canada team trying to prove it belonged in a Concacaf final. The 33-year-old Fulham forward’s two goals propelled Mexico to its third Nations League final with a 2-0 win Thursday night. Mexico has yet to win the competition, but either way a new champion will be crowned after Panama’s surprise 1-0 triumph over the U.S., the only previous winner. Jesse Marsch’s Canada came into the game brimming with confidence, eager to prove it belonged. Jacob Shaffelburg said he was never more “excited” in a Canada camp. Alistair Johnston claimed this Canada team was never more “prepared” than it was on the eve of the semifinal. …”
NY Times/The Athletic