USMNT Falls 5-1 to Colombia in Friendly ahead of Copa America

The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) suffered a 5-1 defeat to Colombia during an international friendly Saturday Night. The match, which was held at Commanders Field (fka FedEx Field) in Landover Maryland. Saturday’s game was the first of two warm-up games before Copa America.

Ranked 11th in the FIFA Rankings, the USMNT faced 12th ranked Colombia. Despite both teams creating chances, Colombia was able to capitalize on the USMNT errors and displayed great efficiency in front of net.

The first chance came within seconds after the opening whistle as USMNT’s Folarin Balogun nearly scored. But it would be Columbia’s Jhon Arias who would net the first goal. As his shot in the 5th minute found the back of the net. USMNT’s Balogun almost tied the game in the 9th minute, but his shot was cleared off the line.

Columbia would go up 2 after an acrobatic bicycle kick from Rafael Santos Borré in the 19th minute. Still searching for their first goal, USMNT Captain Christian Pulisic came close in the 32nd minute, but his header was saved.

The second half began with several changes from  U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter, including substituting Haji Wright for Pulisic. His presence was immediately felt in the USMNT’s attack. As in the 58th minute, the USMNT will finally get on board with a goal from Tim Weah. Weah’s sixth international goal came after a well-coordinated buildup involving Wright and Gio Reyna.

However, Columbia would quickly get back on the attack by hammering in a shot in the 77th minute. Two more goals would come from Columbia before the final whistle.

The USMNT will have a short window to make any adjustments as they will play 5th ranked Brazil on Wednesday, June 12th. After that the will play their first group stage match for Copa America against Bolivia on Sunday June 23rd.