San Jose Earthquakes midfielders Alberto Quintero and Anibal Godoy played 90 minutes each and helped lead Panama to a 2-1 win over Bolivia in their opening match of Copa America.
With the win, Panama becomes the first non-CONMEBOL team to win its Copa America debut.
Blas Perez scored both Panama goals, including the winner in the 87th minute, when Abdiel Arroyo beat a defender at the edge of the 18-yard box, pulling out goalkeeper Carlos Lampe. Arroyo found a trailing Perez in front of an empty net.
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Perez opened the scoring in the 11th minute. After forcing a turnover deep in Bolivia territory, Quintero ran down a through ball near the goal line, fed a cross in front of the net, and Perez made a sliding finish.
Quintero, who arrived in San Jose for the 2016 season, is second on the Quakes with three goals to go along with two assists. Monday marked Quintero’s 71st cap with the Panama National Team. His fellow midfielder, Godoy, recorded his 56th cap with the team.
Bolivia’s Juan Carlos Arce tied it 1-1 in the 54th. A long free kick was deflected inside the 6-yard box and an open Carlos Arce powered it into the net.
The win puts Panama atop the standings in Group D.