New Norwich City summer signing José Córdoba's Panama earned a famous Copa America 2-1 win over Josh Sargent's USA in a feisty game marred by two red cards.

Centre back Cordoba played the full 90 minutes, with Sargent an 86th minute substitute in a defeat in Georgia for the hosts that saw several US players subjected to racist abuse on social media after the defeat.

Folarin Balogun put the US ahead four minutes after they had been reduced to 10 players in the 18th minute when Timothy Weah was given a straight red card for a shove on Panama's Roderick Miller. The referee originally awarded Weah a yellow card but upgraded the punishment upon review.

Cesar Blackman equalised before the half-hour mark and Los Canaleros snatched a winner in the 83rd minute through substitute Jose Fajardo.

The underdogs then had a player sent off when Adalberto Carrasquilla picked up a red card for lashing out at Christian Pulisic.

The result left both on three points after two Group C fixtures, behind Uruguay, who hammered Bolivia 5-0 in the other group game.

US Soccer later had to issue a statement condemning racist comments on social media directed at several of their players.

“U.S. Soccer is aware of and deeply disturbed by the racist comments made online and directed at several of our men’s national team players following tonight’s match.

"There is absolutely no place in the game for such hateful and discriminatory behaviour. These actions are not only unacceptable but also contrary to the values of respect and inclusivity that we uphold as an organization.

“U.S. Soccer stands firmly against racism in all forms and will continue to support our players.”

Panama boss Thomas Christiansen hailed his injury-hit squad's shock result in his post-match press conference.

"Super happy for the victory and I think it is also well-deserved," he said. "We have read the game, despite having one man extra for a long part of it, we know the quality the US have.

"When we went 1-0 down the team showed that personality not to rush, to calmly search for that equalising goal, and then in the second half the US changed their approach slightly, which was a little surprising, going with five at the back. Perhaps they thought a point was a good result after winning the first game.

"We were very good in the defensive aspect, very solid, because it is impossible to stop a team with the quality of the US with their counter-attacks, and we knew if we worked hard we would get opportunities.

"We must congratulate the boys who have played a serious game, intelligent and competitive. It is important to mention after this game we had five players missing, starters, but you have to congratulate the young boys.

"They have grown from the game against Uruguay, if you take away the first half of that game, but in the second half they grew, they gained that confidence and this was another difficult game against a similar opponent in terms of intensity and quality and they responded wonderfully.

"They are becoming stronger in the defensive aspect.

My job will be to bring them down a bit, let them enjoy it a little too because the joys don’t last that long."

Panama conclude their group games against winless Bolivia on Monday.