Alexi Lalas loses his cool at 'disgraceful' Copa America referee for USMNT vs Uruguay

Alexi Lalas was furious with how the United States Men's National Team's (USMNT) crucial Copa America matchup with Uruguay was officiated on Monday.

The referee for the USMNT's clash with Uruguay - with the United States needing a win or draw to advance in the Copa America , so long as Panama lost or drew with Bolivia - was Kevin Ortega. He was who Lalas was directing all of his ire at live on FOX.

As the desk looked back at how turbulent the first half, Lalas posted on X and didn't hold back on what he thought of the officiating. "This is a disgraceful performance so far... from this referee. #USAvURU," he wrote, with many fans echoing the pundit's comments.

READ MORE: Tom Brady mind blown by Jude Bellingham's last-minute overhead goal for England at Euro 2024
READ MORE: Gregg Berhalter told he's one game from losing USMNT job after Copa America disaster

During the halftime show, Lalas continued on his thoughts from X, sharing just what he thinks of how the game has been officiated, especially with so much on the line for the United States. "Well let's use his full name: It's Kevin Paulo Ortega Pimentel," he began.

"Alright? You know when your parents get angry and they use your full name? Because this guy, this guy is completely out of his depth in this game and what he is doing. N ow, this is not a reason for the US not being up, this is not a reason for the US not doing whatever it is, but this is a bad performance from the referee that is going to be part of the narrative. The other good side is, the US played a really, really good half."

The first half of the United States and Uruguay's crucial clash was marred by inconsistent calls and controversial decisions. Of note, Ortega called a very brief stoppage of play after an American foul, drew a yellow card, then immediately resumed play, which almost allowed Uruguay to score.

Then in the second half, Uruguay scored a goal from a set piece. Though the initial replays looked like the goal would be disallowed, the call was ultimately upheld after VAR confirmed it was a legal, despite what the commentators and other pundits might believe.

The game remained physical throughout, with many players colliding and getting hurt. The best example of how dangerously physical the game was happened in the first half.

Maximiliano Araujo collided with Ronald Araujo and Tim Ream, with Ronald accidentally hitting Maximiliano in the neck. As he was falling, he hit the top of his head on the grass, compressing his neck and spine as a result of the impact .

Maximiliano lay on the grass for a considerable time as many of his teammates surrounded him, waiting for medical professionals to get to the injured player. He was eventually put on a stretcher with a neck brace as he was substituted out of the game for precautionary reasons.

In the end, it appeared as if Uruguay's pressure and the referee's inexperience with games such as these doomed the United States to a loss. Of note, Christian Pulisic was spotted shouting at Ortega for seemingly missing a potential free kick in stoppage time.

With the 1-0 loss, it remains to be seen what will happen to Gregg Berhalter as the USMNT underachieved greatly in the Copa America .