TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 11, 2018) – The United States Men’s National Soccer Team battled against former World Cup participant Colombia to a 4-2 loss in front of a record crowd of over 38,000 fans at Raymond James Stadium last night.
The energetic and lively crowd of mostly Colombian fans in bright yellow shirts comprised of the majority of fans as their national team’s striker James Rodrigues blasts a curling masterpiece into the top 90-degree corner of the USA net for a 1-0 lead in the first half.
The Americans struck back at the start of the second half with goals from Kellyn Acosta and Bobby Wood to give them the lead.
Colombia responded via Carlos Bacca, Radamel Falcao and a stunning bicycle kick from Miguel Angel Borja to earn the 4-2 victory.
With a wealth of attacking talent, Colombia controlled much of the possession and came close in the fourth minute as Santiago Arias’ cross picked out Falcao at the top of the area, but the Monaco striker fired his first-time volley over the bar.
Though the U.S. absorbed much pressure, the team showed positive moments in attack. In the ninth minute, Antonee Robinson did nifty work down the left to play himself around Arias before shifting a pass to Julian Green. Cutting inside, Green hit a right-footed effort that tested Colombia ‘keeper David Ospina but zipped past the left post.
The USMNT definitely showed some signs of talent in flashes, but overall, Colombia, a team that made it to the round of 16 in last year’s world cup, proved to be the superior team.
USA’s Michal Bradley continues to be fearless on the pitch, and Kenny Saief was solid in the midfield, but Antonee Robinson was beaten and out of position many times, giving the Colombian players several chances on the attack.
The USA continues it’s against 2018 FIFA World Cup participants Peru on Tuesday, Oct. 16 in East Hartford, Conn.
