In the midfield, Jermaine Jones provided an extra layer of defensive steel alongside Michael Bradley.
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But the usa does have experience in Toronto FC captain Michael Bradley Clint Dempsey. Klinsmann started eight players who appeared in the 2014 World Cup, joined by goalkeeper Brad Guzan and forwards Gyasi Zardes and Bobby Wood.
Colombia shattered the United States’ expectation of an endearing start to the Copa America Centenario.
Like previous editions of cope America the United States is down early. With the US needing a win to keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout round alive, the Americans understand that they’ll need to be better next week.
The Americans had more chances in the first half than the Colombians did.
Colombia was as fast, strong and technically superior as advertised while scoring twice before halftime much to the delight of its fans dominating the landscape in their bright-yellow jerseys. And in the eighth minute, it did. They seemed well prepared. Colombia let the USA have the ball but clogged up the middle of the pitch, forcing the US into an uncomfortable possession game that saw much of the passing go to waste.
While the U.S. eventually settled and enjoyed some extended periods of possession, the side never troubled goalkeeper David Ospina, with Dempsey’s long-range effort just past the half hour, which nearly curled inside the post, the only real highlight for the home team. Dempsey wasn’t picked up about 20 yards out, but he struck the ball wide, just missing the left post. The referee booked Bedoya in the 57th minute for unsporting behavior.
Working down the right flank, Colombian midfielder Carlos Sanchez attempted a rather innocuous cross.
Colombia were awarded a penalty just before the break when Yedlin was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. The ball hit Yedlin in the hand and Garcia immediately blew his whistle and pointed to the penalty spot.
James made no mistake with the penalty kick to put the South American side up 2-0 at the intermission.
The second half was a slightly better performance with the US having slightly tried to score a goal against David Ospina tonight. Klinsmann’s men were chasing shadows, much like they must now chase a lifeline to keep their hopes in this much-anticipated tournament flickering. They got three free kicks in close proximity to the net and either fired right into the wall or missed the net. Both delivered by Dempsey.
Though the USA found its best chances in the second half, Colombia did turn on the style at times, and the US couldn’t cope.
This would not be the Yanks’ day.
In friendlies against Ecuador and Bolivia, Nagbe and Pulisic made an immediate impact. Instead, the 31st-ranked Americans began the biggest tournament at home since the 1994 World Cup with a dud as FIFA President Gianni Infantino watched among the announced sellout crowd of 67,439. Rodriguez coolly slotted it home to extend the lead to two.
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Captain James Rodriguez and Cristian Zapata inspired Colombia to victory over host nation United States in the Copa America opener. The fallout is that the USA desperately needs three points against Costa Rica on Tuesday in Chicago or the host country could be gone before the tournament really gets started. It would also be helpful if Colombia sweeps the group and takes a full nine points.
