The United States men's national team began its preparation for the Copa América with a 5-1 friendly loss to Colombia on Saturday in Landover, Maryland.
The exhibition at Commanders Field began strongly when Colombian Jhon Arias opened the scoring in the sixth minute. In the 19th minute, the South Americans doubled their lead after Rafael Borré's overhead kick sent the ball past Matt Turner and into the back of the Americans' net.
After the break, Gregg Berhalter's team seemed to have managed to get back into the game after Tim Weah scored in the 58th minute. However, Colombia responded quickly with goals from Richard Ríos in the 77th minute, Jorge Carrascal in the 85th and Luis Sinisterra in '88.
Following the friendly, the USMNT will continue its preparation for the Copa América 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 to 10)
Gregg Berhalter, 2– Berhalter fielded a strong lineup that, according to Opta, marked the first time that all of the USMNT's starters were current club players in Europe's top five leagues. However, the USMNT fought an opponent that was efficient and energetic from the start. The hosts did well to regain some momentum but also lacked a real threat in the final third. Credit must be given after the game plan opened up and created the only 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)
Goalkeeper Matt Turner, 3 — He couldn't do much to stop two of the goals, but he should be questioned by others. A difficult night at the office.
Defense Joe Scally, 3 — It's hard to say Scally eased concerns over Sergiño Dest's absence. He couldn't do much with the ball on offense and was quite average in his defensive duties.
Defenseman Chris Richards, 4 — He didn't do enough to help solidify the defensive line and became a problem as the game progressed.
Defenseman Tim Ream, 3 — He could have stopped Colombia's first goal, and a loss of possession led to the corner that generated the second. Ream also seemed shaky every time he held the ball.
Defense Antonee Robinson, 5 years old — A mix of the player who was crucial with his crosses and forward runs, but also a source of defensive errors.
MF Johnny Cardoso, 6 years old — He missed a ball that led to one of Colombia's goals, but in general Cardoso made his presence known with his interventions in the heart of the XI.
MF Weston McKennie, 4 years old — More was expected from the player who had a surprisingly reserved start to the game. He had some flashes of brilliance when he connected with Gio Reyna.
MF Gio Reyna, 7 years old — One of the USMNT's few bright spots, Reyna was vital with his key passing and an important chance creator.
Forward Tim Weah, 6 years old — He provided a much-needed moment of explosiveness after scoring early in the second half, but was also dispossessed in dangerous areas.
FW Folarin Balogun, 4 — His help should be praised, but he was often isolated from his colleagues on the front line.
Forward Christian Pulisic, 7 years old — The captain tried to carry the ball alone in the first half and did well in his duels, even with a header that hit the post. Recently, at the end of his season in Serie A, Pulisic had only 45 minutes.
Substitutes
FW Haji Wright, 6 years old — Provided some dangerous chances after being substituted.
Defense Cameron Carter-Vickers, 2 — The defender was at the center of a leaky defensive line that collapsed late in the second half.
MF Malik Tillman, 5 years old — He was not as effective in attack as Reyna after being substituted.
MF Yunus Musah, NR — He came on in place of McKennie with 19 minutes left in normal time.
Forward Ricardo Pepi, NR — He took Balogun's place in the American attack in the 72nd minute.
MF Luca de la Torre, NR — The last seven minutes of regulation time ran out after replacing Cardoso in midfield.
