Panama Beats U.S. 3-2 On Penalty Kicks For Gold Cup 3rd Place

CHESTER, Pa. (AP) -- Backup goalkeeper Luis Mejia saved two penalty kicks in the shootout, and an inspired Panama team ended a trying week with a medal, beating the United States in the CONCACAF Gold Cup third-place game Saturday.

Panama won the shootout 3-2 after extra time ended with the score 1-1. Mejia saved DaMarcus Beasley's shot in the fifth round in what might have been the veteran defender's last game for the national team.

Panama was on the verge of beating Mexico in Wednesday's semifinals despite being down to 10 men but was called for a disputed hand ball in the area. Mexico converted the penalty kick in stoppage time then scored on another penalty kick in extra time for the 2-1 win.

It was another shaky performance Saturday by the Americans, who were stunned by Jamaica in the semifinals.

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