Tim Weah banned for two matches due to red card against Panama

If the US men’s national team reaches the knockout round of the Copa America, they will have to do without the services of Tim Weah.

Weah’s ban was extended to two matches following his red card in last Thursday’s 2-1 loss to Panama. The Juventus winger was sent off in the 19th minute after punching Roderick Miller in the head in a struggle in the middle of the pitch.

CONEMBOL announced that Weah was also fined $3,000 for his conduct. The money will be deducted from payments the U.S. Soccer Federation makes to CONMEBOL for television, participation and/or prize money.

It was Weah’s first dismissal at international level.

“Timmy gives us verticality and assists,” USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter said of Weah on Sunday. “He’s dangerous in front of goal and does a really good job defensively, so he’s hard to replace.”

“But we have a game plan that we want to execute and we’re going to put players on the field that we know can do that. Part of that is going to be them having to pass and move to continue to create space that’s going to be available and it’s going to be really important that we do that.”

Folarin Balogun’s 23rd-minute opener gave the Americans a 1-0 lead, but Panama fought back to secure three points. Cesar Blackman equalized in the first half before Jose Fajardo scored the winner as a substitute late in the second half.

It was the USMNT’s second consecutive loss to Panama and third in the last four years across all competitions.

Berhalter’s team will face Uruguay in its final group match on Monday in Kansas City, Missouri. Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa is also suspended for the game, CONMEBOL announced on Sunday.

After the 1-2 loss to Panama, the USMNT and the Panamanians are tied with three points each ahead of Monday night’s games.