KANSAS CITY, Mo. — United States captain Christian Pulisic was clear in stating that he didn’t consider officiating was guilty for his crew’s group-stage exit at Copa América, however he was baffled by the choices made in Monday’s 1-0 loss to Uruguay at Arrowhead Stadium, a consequence that sealed the Individuals’ destiny.
“Actually, I imply I noticed issues that I’ve by no means seen earlier than proper in entrance of my eyes at present that I simply I actually I can not consider,” Pulisic informed reporters. “It is not why we misplaced; we’re not out of this event due to officiating.
“However actually, I’ve simply seen issues that I simply actually — I imply I believe everybody can simply give admit I do not know what I am taking a look at. I do not know what they’re calling. I do not know what he is — he offers no rationalization. He is doing issues that I simply cannot settle for.”
Referee Kevin Ortega was seen on digicam refusing to shake Pulisic’s hand following the ultimate whistle after Pulisic appeared to first gesture one thing to him from a distance.
“He would not shake my hand. It is regular — I imply, I assume.”
Uruguay defender Mathías Olivera scored the one aim of the sport within the 66th minute. Olivera seemed to be in an offside place when the ball was flicked on, however a prolonged VAR assessment confirmed the aim with out sending Ortega to the video monitor. Replays confirmed an indiscernible quantity of overlap between Olivera’s physique and the foot of USMNT defender Chris Richards, who ostensibly held the Uruguayan onside.
“It is fairly loopy, actually,” USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter mentioned of the decision. “I do not perceive it. , I really feel like I do know the rule fairly nicely. I really feel like we had the photographs which are exhibiting how the rule might be interpreted and it is an offside aim. It is disappointing, it truly is, however you recognize, that occurs in soccer and we now have to dwell with it, clearly.”
There have been a number of controversial no calls all through Monday’s match, however the oddest second outdoors of the aim got here within the thirty second minute, when Ortega pulled out a yellow card to concern to Richards. Uruguay went to play the free kick rapidly, and, earlier than totally extending his arm to lift the yellow card, Ortega raised his different arm to point a “play on” sign. Nahitan Nández was in behind on aim however scuffed his shot.
The sport is usually held up when a yellow card is being issued in order that the referee can document the reserving. A number of U.S. gamers argued with Ortega after the play. Adams mentioned after the match it was the “first time I would ever seen” an incident like that.
The 1-0 loss, mixed with Panama’s 3-1 win over Bolívia in a simultaneous match, left the USMNT third within the group. It’s the first time the U.S. has did not advance from the group stage of a Copa America, Gold Cup or World Cup performed on residence soil. The U.S. will co-host the 2026 World Cup.