USMNT again falls to Colombia, finishes fourth at Copa America
A goal from Carlos Bacca was enough to beat the U.S. in a tight contest
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2 min read
For the second time at the 2016 Copa America, the United States has lost to Colombia. A first-half goal from Carlos Bacca saw Colombia beat the USMNT 1-0 in the third-place match on Saturday night.
Playing in Glendale, Arizona after each fell in the semifinals, it was a much closer contest than the 2-0 game the two played to open the tournament. The Americans looked motivated and were creative in attack but failed to beat David Ospina in goal. The Arsenal shotstopper made a couple big saves, none more so than on a second-half free kick from Clint Dempsey that was headed to the upper corner.
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) June 26, 2016
Colombia's winning goal came off a lovely ball from James Rodriguez to Santiago Arias, who headed across the face of goal and found Bacca who got a touch to put it in on 31 minutes.
The U.S. pushed and pushed to equalize, with Bobby Wood hitting the post and other chances going wide. Colombia's Juan Cuadrado also hit the woodwork, chipping Tim Howard in the second half with the ball bouncing off the crossbar.
With the result, the U.S. finishes a very respectable fourth at the cup after entering with low expectations. The overall finish gives the team belief and confidence ahead of World Cup qualifiers later this year.
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"Over the last couple weeks, what we did, including the preparation games, has been very, very impressive." - @J_Klinsmann on #CopaAmerica
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) June 24, 2016
What's on the line: A chance to finish a very respectable third at the 2016 Copa America.
Rematch: These two teams are familiar with each other after having played each other in the first match of the tournament, which Colombia won 2-0.
What to watch for USA: The spirit in the team after being thrashed against Argentina. The U.S. really didn't come to play against them, looking slow and lacking motivation, so will they come to play in a third-place match some players think is meaningless? The energy and determination this team plays with will tell us plenty.
What to watch for Colombia: The attack. Zero goals in 180 minutes against Peru in the quarterfinals (won in penalty kicks) and Chile in the semifinals has been hard to understand with the talent in attack. After trying Roger Martinez up top against Chile, it might be time to bring Carlos Bacca into the lineup and give the veteran another chance if he is fit to play, but it looks like he won't be match fit.
Predicted starting lineups: USA - Howard; Besler, Brooks, Cameron, Johnson; Bradley, Bedoya, Jones; Wood, Dempsey, Nagbe; COL - Ospina, Fabra, Murillo, Zapata, Arias; Cardona, Torres, Rodriguez, Cuadrado; Martinez, Moreno.
.@J_Klinsmann announces @TimHowardGK will start in goal for the #USMNT tomorrow. #USAvCOLpic.twitter.com/wwwHM89klU
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) June 24, 2016
Prediction: USA 2, Colombia 1
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