Chester, PA- In a match that neither wanted nation wanted to be in, there still had to be a winner. Panama was just that, as they defeated the USA 3-2 on penalty kicks after drawing 1-1 over 120 minutes.

Both the USA and Panama came out extremely slow from the beginning of the match, as both showed little interest in winning this match. After all, instead of practicing yesterday Panama decided to play kickball (not a joke!). 

After a long period of time in the first half filled with little action, Panama was the first side to pose any threat of scoring. Tim Ream dived to save the ball from entering the net behind American goalkeeper Brad Guzan, and Panama became increasingly frustrated with their chances. Before the halftime whistle, Panama had two clear chances at goal that were both shot very weakly. 

Panama opened the scoring in the fifty-fifth minute, when Roberto Nurse scored. Panama, who should be playing tomorrow against Jamaica, came to the stadium wearing t-shirts that had a message against CONCACAF and the refereeing tragedy that occurred Wednesday in Atlanta. 

The US and Panama both started many reserves, as red cards in this match would be carried over into their next official CONCACAF match. Panama, who inquired with FIFA yesterday regarding a formal investigation of Wednesday's officiating, wanted to leave the US with some dignity and respect.

Clint Dempsey and DeAndre Yedlin both checked in to the match in the second half, and it didn’t take long for the former Seattle teammates to click. Yedlin controlled the ball, and sent in a great pass to the open Dempsey in the 70th minute, where the number eight slotted the ball into the net and gave some much needed life to the 12,000 fans at PPL Park.

DeMarcus Beasley came into the match for extra time, as he and manager Jurgen Klinnsmann knew this would be his last ever USA match. However, he was unable to influence the game during the 30 minute long extra time period, and penalties were required to decide the match. Unfortunately for Beasley, it did not go the way he would have wanted.

Beasley took the final penalty of the match, in the fifth round. His penalty was saved, and the USA lost to Panama and finished fourth in the tournament. It was the first time since 2003 that the United States did not make the Gold Cup Final.

For the United States, they have Olympic Qualification and the playoff against the winner of Mexico and Jamaica to see who goes to the Confederations Cup in Russia in 2017. 

Panama on the other hand will plead its case to CONCACAF and FIFA, as this will probably end in some type of payment to the federation. The Panamanians will be happy with their performances, but not the way it ended or the way it resulted in. 

Mexico and Jamaica face off tomorrow in the big final. You can follow that match live on VAVEL USA!