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The U.S. Men’s National Team is back in action in preparation for the Copa America later this month. Tomorrow, the team will be in the Washington, D.C. area for a friendly against Colombia, the first of two test matches the team will play before kicking off the South American tournament.
The USMNT took the field with the trophy hoisted after winning the CONCACAF Nations League three times in a row. This time, it will be a much tougher test as their opponent is a Colombian team, arguably the most powerful team in the world. Los Cafeteros boasts a 21-game unbeaten record dating back to February 2022 and has risen to 12th in the world, one spot behind the USMNT. How do you stop a team on a roll? The USMNT will be hoping to build on their own momentum and show that they are real contenders for the Copa America title and are not just here as hosts.
Latest Form
united states of america
Won (2-0) – Mexico – CONCACAF Nations League Final
W (3-1 AET) – Jamaica – CONCACAF Nations League Semi-final
L (0-1) – Slovenia – Friendly
L (1-2) – Trinidad and Tobago – CONCACAF Nations League Quarterfinals
W (3-0) – Trinidad and Tobago – CONCACAF Nations League Quarterfinals
Columbia
Won (3-2) – Romania – Friendly Match
Won (1-0) – Spain – Friendly Match
Won (3-2) – Mexico – Friendly Match
Won (1-0) – Venezuela – Friendly Match
W (1-0) – Paraguay – World Cup Qualifiers
Points to note
Show that you have the ability to compete. Despite being one spot above Colombia in the standings, many feel that the USMNT are Colombia’s biggest underdog, and looking at Colombia’s winning streak, that notion seems to be correct. The USMNT needs to take the field and let the rest of the tournament know that they’re not only ready to take on the best teams in the world, but that they have a shot at winning.
Finishing shot. The USMNT may not get many chances to score, so they should take advantage of them while they can. Taking a shot and scoring looks easy, but Colombia makes it hard for teams to find chances. The USMNT should take advantage of Grand Canyon’s opportunities and take shots.
connect. Colombia will play at a fast pace and look to time their attacks to pick up the pace, so communication will be key for the U.S. defense to keep Colombia up front and prevent them from scoring.
Lineup predictions
This is the team’s first football game of the summer, and coach Gregg Berhalter is expected to field a pretty strong lineup.
Matt Turner will start in goal, Shaq Moore will replace the injured SergiƱo Dest at right back, Antonee Robinson will play left back, and Tim Ream and Chris Richards will play centre back.
Tyler Adams will start in midfield but will be replaced in the second half by Johnny Cardoso, who will be joined by Wes McKennie and Gio Reyna in a more attacking role.
Up front, Folarin Balogun will start as the number nine, with Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah playing on either wing.
prediction
Colombia’s unbeaten streak continued but the match ended in an exciting 2-2 draw.
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