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.
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 to get it into the back of the net.
The US had plenty of chances to score in the net, 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 Cafeteros during the group stage, That did not happen as USA failed to get a win against a top opponent yet again. During Copa America, USMNT have beaten the opponents that they were favored against and lost to those they were looked at as underdogs against. That trend continued from the 2014 World Cup and it is something that will need 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. That did not happen as the US only made a change at goalkeeper and two more 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 going on target compared to Colombia's three. Possession was also very close with Colombia holding just a 51-49 edge.
