“We have no excuses. We failed today. We should have walked off this field with at least a point,” said US coach Bruce Arena following the match at Ato Boldon Stadium in the small town of Couva, Trinidad and Tobago.

The score was 2-0 by the 36th minute, and even with Christian Pulisic’s goal after the break, the Americans failed to find an equalizer.

Before the final qualification round, the US was sitting 3rd in the standings among the six CONCACAF nations competing for 3 spots. However, due to Panama beating Costa Rica and Honduras upsetting log leaders Mexico, the US slipped to 5th place.

“It's a blemish for us,” Arena added, as cited by ESPN FC. “We should not be staying at home for this World Cup. And I take responsibility.”