Folarin Balogun scored the opening goal for the United States in a 2-0 World Cup victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but his night ended early with a controversial red card.
The Monaco forward netted his third goal of the tournament just two days before his 25th birthday, putting the US ahead.
However, Balogun was sent off approximately 20 minutes later after a VAR review determined he committed violent conduct.
The incident occurred when Balogun planted his right foot on defender Tarik Muharemovic's ankle during a challenge.
Referee Raphael Claus initially showed a yellow card but upgraded it to a straight red after reviewing the footage.
The victory secured the US a spot in the round of 16 for the first time in 24 years.
Midfielder Malik Tillman sealed the win with a late free kick.
Due to the suspension, Balogun will miss the next match against Belgium. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino must now choose a replacement.
Pochettino and Players Question Red Card Decision
Pochettino strongly disagreed with the refereeing decision after reviewing the broadcast.
"For me it is never a red card," Pochettino said. "Watching after on TV, it was never the intention to step on the player.
That was a normal action in football that happened by accident and was never intentional."
He added that the 50/50 decisions by the referee were not favorable for the team.
Pochettino also shared Balogun's emotional state after the match.
"He is disappointed, very disappointed," said Pochettino. "Because it wasn't intentional and he's said.
He is also happy because we qualified – but disappointed and sad because it was not his intention."
US midfielder Tyler Adams also questioned the severity of the punishment.
"I think it's a yellow card," Adams said. "I think when you slow everything down, it is always going to look worse."
Fox analyst and former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg agreed that the play did not meet the criteria for an ejection.
"When you watch it in real time, you don't see the ankle twist," Clattenburg said.
"It's just that accident, as Balogun puts his foot down, he catches underneath his opponent's foot. This is just an accident."
Pochettino will choose between PSV Eindhoven forward Ricardo Pepi and Coventry City's Haji Wright to fill the void against Belgium.
"We will have different options," Pochettino said. "We'll have to see which one we take."
Balogun became the fifth US player to receive a red card in World Cup history, following Eric Wynalda (1990), Fernando Clavijo (1994), and Eddie Pope and Pablo Mastroeni (2006).
