Uruguay strikes early, never looks back to down Panama

Field Level Media|published: Sun 23rd June, 23:12 2024

Jun 23, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; Panama forward Jose Fajardo (17) battles for possession against Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet (1) in the first half during the group stage of Copa America at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Maximiliano Araujo scored in the 16th minute to help lift Uruguay to a 3-1 victory over Panama on Sunday night in a Copa America Group C match in Miami Gardens, Fla.

It was the first match of the group stage for both teams.

Darwin Nunez added a goal in the 85th minute for Uruguay, and it ended up being an important tally when Panama's Michael Amir Murillo scored in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time.

But before Murillo got the Panamanians on the board, Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet prevented Panama from generating any sort of momentum by turning away Adalberto Carrasquilla's left-footed attempt in the 11th minute. Rochet wasn't forced to make another save until Puma Rodriguez put a shot on frame in the 59th.

After Nunez found the back of the net, Uruguay kept pouring it on, with Matias Vina closing the scoring in the first minute of second-half stoppage time. It was an emphatic finish for the Uruguayans, who hope to keep rolling on Thursday when they face Bolivia in East Rutherford, N.J.

By the time Amir Murillo scored, Uruguay virtually had the victory in hand. Panama will have a chance to bounce back against the United States in Atlanta on Thursday.

--Field Level Media