Sounders defender Roman Torres on Tuesday night delivered a stunning, knockout blow to the United States in its now-failed attempt to reach next year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Torres scored in the 88th minute for Panama to seal a 2-1 victory over Costa Rica, helping to drop the U.S. men down to fifth spot from third in the final round of World Cup qualifying — and eliminating them from contention after seven straight World Cup appearances.
The 28th-ranked U.S. team had gone in to Couva, Trinidad, for its final qualifier needing only a tie against Trinidad & Tobago, the world’s 99th-ranked team, to secure an automatic World Cup berth.