The United States Men’s National Team are back in action as they prepare for Copa América, which begins later this month. Tomorrow, they take on Colombia in a friendly in the DC area, and it’s the first of two test matches the team will have in advance of hosting South America’s tournament.
The USMNT were last on the field lifting a trophy, as they won the Concacaf Nations League trophy for a third straight time. This will be a much stiffer test, as they go up against a Colombia team that is arguably the hottest team in the world. Los Cafeteros have a 21-match unbeaten streak that dates back to February 2022, rising to #12 in the world, one spot behind the USMNT. How do you stop a team that’s on fire? The USMNT hope to light their own fire and show that they are a real contender for the Copa América title and not just here to play hosts.
Latest Form
USA
W (2-0) – Mexico – Concacaf Nations League Final
W (3-1 AET) – Jamaica – Concacaf Nations League Semifinals
L (0-1) – Slovenia – Friendly
L (1-2) – Trinidad & Tobago – Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals
W (3-0) – Trinidad & Tobago – Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals
Colombia
W (3-2) – Romania – Friendly
W (1-0) – Spain – Friendly
W (3-2) – Mexico – Friendly
W (1-0) – Venezuela – Friendly
W (1-0) – Paraguay – World Cup Qualifying
What To Watch For
Show they can compete. Despite being 1 spot above them in the standings, most feel the USMNT are the supreme underdogs to Colombia. And with Colombia’s streak, it seems correct. The USMNT has to step onto the field and show that they’re not just ready to compete with the hottest team in the world, but also put the rest of the tournament on notice that they’re here to try and take it all.
Finish shots. The USMNT may not get a lot of opportunities to score, so they should take advantage of them where they can. Taking shots and finishing them seems like an easy thing to watch for, but Colombia has made it difficult for teams to find openings. The USMNT should consider any opening the Grand Canyon and start shooting.
Communicate. Colombia’s going to play fast and they’re going to pick their moments to go even faster. Communication is going to be crucial for the American defense to keep Colombia in front of them and off the scoreboard.
Lineup Prediction
It’s the first match for the team in the summer of soccer, and the bet is that Gregg Berhalter will go with a pretty strong lineup.
Matt Turner starts in goal, and Shaq Moore gets the start in place of the injured Sergiño Dest at right back. Antonee Robinson is at left back, with Tim Ream and Chris Richards operating as the centerbacks.
In the middle, Tyler Adams will start but will make way for Johnny Cardoso in the second half. He is joined by Wes McKennie and Gio Reyna, who will move into more of an attacking role.
Up front, Folarin Balogun will get the start at the 9, while Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah will work the wings.
Prediction
Colombia’s unbeaten streak continues, but it’s in the form of an exciting 2-2 draw.
