Referee Kevin Ortega and his officiating team took center stage in the United States’ unfortunate 1-0 defeat to Uruguay. Ortega faced criticism for allowing play to continue after showing a yellow card at one point and for not consulting VAR when awarding Mathias Olivera’s goal, despite indications suggesting a potential offside.

Christian Pulisic, serving as captain, led protests throughout the frustrating match, expressing bewilderment at several key decisions: “Honestly, I mean I saw things that I’ve never seen before right in front of my eyes today that I just I truly I can’t believe. It’s not why we lost; we’re not out of this tournament because of officiating. But really, I’ve just seen things that I just really – I mean I think everyone can just admit I don’t know what I’m looking at. I don’t know what they’re calling. I don’t know what he’s – he gives no explanation. He’s doing things that I just can’t accept.”

After the final whistle, Ortega declined Pulisic’s handshake, prompting the 25-year-old to remark: “He wouldn’t shake my hand. It’s normal – I mean, I guess.”

USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter criticized the decision to allow Olivera’s goal, despite clear doubts about his offside position: “It’s pretty crazy, really. I don’t understand it. You know, I feel like I know the rule pretty well. I feel like we had the pictures that are showing how the rule could be interpreted and it’s an offside goal. It’s disappointing, it really is, but you know, that happens in football and we have to live with it, obviously.”

The USMNT, as hosts of the Copa for the first time since the group stage’s inception in 1993, failed to advance to the knockout rounds. They face significant challenges ahead to harness their squad’s potential.

Christian Pulisic

Milan performance and stats