The U.S. men’s national team began its preparations for the Copa America with a 5-1 friendly defeat against Colombia on Saturday in Landover, Maryland.
The presentation at Commander’s Field got into full swing when Colombia’s Jun Arias opened the scoring in the sixth minute. By the 19th minute, the South Americans had doubled their lead after a bicycle kick from Rafael Borre sent the ball past Matt Turner and into the Americans’ back net.
After the end of the first half, it seemed that Gregg Berhalter’s team was back in the game after Tim Weah scored in the 58th minute. But Colombia quickly responded with goals from Richard Reus in the 77th minute, Jorge Carrascal in the 85th minute and Luis Sinistera in the 88th minute.
After the friendly match, CONMEBOL will continue its preparations for the Copa America with a friendly match against Brazil on June 12 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Colombia will face Bolivia on June 15 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
Manager rating (scale from 1 to 10)
Greg Berhalter, 2– Berhalter fielded a strong lineup, which according to Opta, marked the first time all USMNT players were current players at clubs in Europe’s top five leagues. However, the USMNT struggled against an opponent that was effective and energetic from the start. The home side did well to regain some momentum at the end, but they also lacked a real threat in the final third. Credit must be given after she opened up the game plan and set up the only goal, but it wasn’t enough to avoid crucial errors and three goals allowed in the final 15 minutes.
Player Ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes receive no rating)
GK Matt Turner, 3 — There was little he could do to stop two goals, but the others should be questioned. A rough night at the office.
DF Joe Scully, 3– It is difficult to say that Scully has allayed concerns about Serginho Dest’s absence. He wasn’t able to do much with the ball moving forward and was fairly average in his defensive duties.
DF Chris Richards, 4– He didn’t do enough to help strengthen the backline and became more of a liability as the game progressed.
DF Tim Ream, 3– It could have stopped Colombia’s first goal, and losing the ball led to a corner kick that created the second goal. Ream also looked shaky every time he caught the ball.
DF Anthony Robinson, 5– A mixed bag of a player who was clinical with crosses and runs forward, but also a source of defensive errors.
MF Johnny Cardoso, 6– He made a mistake in a pass that led to one of Colombia’s goals, but overall Cardoso made his presence known through his interventions at the heart of the lineup.
M. F. Weston McKinney, 4– More was expected from a player who had a surprisingly conservative start to the match. He had some flashes of brilliance when he hooked up with Gio Reyna.
MF Geo Reina, 7– One of the few bright spots in the USMNT, Reyna was lively with his key passes and an important chance creator.
Striker Tim Weah, 6 — He provided a much-needed explosive moment after scoring early in the second half, but the ball was also cleared in dangerous areas.
Folarin Balogun striker, 4 — His assistance is to be commended, but he was often isolated from his peers on the front line.
Forward Christian Pulisic, 7- The captain tried to advance the ball on his own in the first half and did well in the duels, including a header that hit the post. Having recently ended his Serie A season, Pulisic has been given just 45 minutes.
Alternatives
Striker Hajj Wright, 6 — He provided some dangerous chances after being substituted.
DF Cameron Carter Vickers, 2 — The defender was in the middle of a leaky back line that collapsed late in the second half.
M. F. Malik Tillman, 5– He was not as effective in attack as Reyna after he was substituted.
MF Yunus Musa, NR — He came on for McKennie 19 minutes before normal time.
Forward Ricardo Pepe, NR – He replaced Balogun in the American attack in the 72nd minute.
Mr. F. Luca de la Torre, NR – Watch the final seven minutes of normal time after Cardoso was replaced in midfield.
