It was a much better performance, but the US national team failed to get the win they coveted against Colombia, losing 1-0 in the Copa America Centenario third-place match on Saturday night at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Carlos Bacca provided the only goal of the match after a great run of play from the Colombians. James Rodriguez chipped a ball over the top of the US backline, allowing Santiago Arias to run onto it and head across the six-yard box. Bacca then got the slightest of touches, tapping it into the back of the net.
The US had plenty of chances to score, the best of which came from Clint Dempsey and Bobby Wood. Dempsey curved a free kick around the wall and onto the top corner, but David Ospina came up with a miraculous save to deny the Seattle Sounders striker for the second time this tournament. Wood saw a shot hit the post in the 62nd minute.
Box Score
- 31' - COL - Carlos Bacca (Santiago Arias, James Rodriguez)
- Full box score
- Stats
Three Things
- SAME STORY: The US came into this match after getting trounced by Argentina. They were hoping to get revenge on Colombia after losing 2-0 to Los Cafeterosduring the group stage. That didn't happen, as USA failed yet again to realize a win against a top opponent. During Copa America, the USMNT have beaten the opponents they were favored against and lost to those against whom they were viewed as underdogs. That trend, originated during the 2014 World Cup, has continued and is something that needs to change if the US are to hoist a trophy in a major tournament.
- STATUS QUO: With the importance of the match varying for many fans, some expected Jurgen Klinsmann to make significant changes to his starting lineup. Yet the US only swapped goalkeepers by intent and two defenders due to injury. Jermaine Jones, Alejandro Bedoya and Bobby Wood all returned to the starting XI as Michael Orozco and Matt Besler were inserted along the backline.
- SOME LIFE: In a shocking performance against Argentina, the US failed to take a single shot. That was not the case against Colombia, as the team put together some high-quality scoring opportunities. In total, they took 11 shots (to Colombia's 13) with two on target, compared to Colombia's three. Possession was also close, with Colombia holding just a 51-49 edge.
