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The U.S. men’s national team kicked off its Copa América preparation with a 5-1 friendly defeat to Colombia on Saturday in Landover, Maryland.
The exhibition at Commanders Field hit the ground running when Colombia’s Jhon Arias opened the scoring in the sixth minute. By the 19th minute, the South Americans doubled their advantage after a bicycle kick from Rafael Borré sent the ball beyond Matt Turner and into the back of the Americans’ net.
After the halftime break, Gregg Berhalter’s squad looked to have clawed its way back into the game after Tim Weah scored in the 58th minute. Colombia provided a rapid-fire response, though, with goals from Richard Rios in the 77th minute, Jorge Carrascal in the 85th and Luis Sinisterra in the 88th.
Following the friendly, the USMNT will continue its Copa América preparation with a friendly against Brazil on June 12 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Colombia will face Bolívia on June 15 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
Manager rating (scale of 1-10)
Gregg Berhalter, 2 — Berhalter fielded a strong XI, which according to Opta, marked the first time that all USMNT starters were current club players in Europe’s top five leagues. Nonetheless, the USMNT struggled against an opponent that was efficient and energetic from the get-go. The hosts did well to eventually wrestle back some momentum but also lacked real threat in the final third. Credit should be given after the game plan opened up and created the lone goal, but it wasn’t enough to avoid crucial mistakes and the three goals allowed in the final 15 minutes.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Matt Turner, 3 — Not much he could do to stop two of the goals, but should be questioned for the others. A rough night at the office.
DF Joe Scally, 3 — Difficult to say Scally eased any worries about the absence of Sergiño Dest. Couldn’t do much with the ball going forward and was fairly average with his defensive duties.
DF Chris Richards, 4 — Didn’t do enough to help solidify the back line and became more of a liability as the game progressed.
DF Tim Ream, 3 — Could have halted Colombia’s first goal, and a loss of possession led to the corner that created the second. Ream also looked shaky every time he held on to the ball.
DF Antonee Robinson, 5 — A mixed bag from the player who was crucial with his crosses and runs forward, but also a source of defensive errors.
MF Johnny Cardoso, 6 — Fumbled a ball that led to one of Colombia’s goals, but overall Cardoso made his presence known with his interventions in the heart of the XI.
MF Weston McKennie, 4 — More was expected of the player who had a surprisingly reserved start to the game. Had some flashes of brilliance when he connected with Gio Reyna.
MF Gio Reyna, 7 — One of the few bright spots for the USMNT, Reyna was vital with his key passes and an important chance creator.
FW Tim Weah, 6 — Provided a much-needed moment of explosiveness after scoring early in the second half, but also was dispossessed in dangerous areas.
FW Folarin Balogun, 4 — Praise should be given for his assist, but he was often isolated from his peers in the front line.
FW Christian Pulisic, 7 — The captain tried to single-handedly carry the ball forward in the first half and did well with his duels, along with a header that hit the woodwork. Recently finishing his Serie A season, Pulisic was given just 45 minutes.
Substitutes
FW Haji Wright, 6 — Provided some dangerous chances after being substituted on.
DF Cameron Carter-Vickers, 2 — The defender was in the center of a leaky back line that collapsed late in the second half.
MF Malik Tillman, 5 — Wasn’t nearly as effective in the attack as Reyna after being substituted on for him.
MF Yunus Musah, NR — Came on for McKennie with 19 minutes of normal time remaining.
FW Ricardo Pepi, NR — Took Balogun’s place in the U.S. attack in the 72nd minute.
MF Luca de la Torre, NR — Saw out the final seven minutes of normal time after replacing Cardoso in midfield.
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