These are strange days for the United States Men’s National Team as they attempt to rebuild themselves from the disastrous results of the last two years. After previously defeating Mexico 1-0, they have a strong chance to build some momentum Thursday evening as they take on Colombia in an international friendly in Tampa. Winning the match would be no small feat considering Colombia is ranked No. 14 in the world and 3-1-1 in their last five matches (that loss being a penalty shootout to England in the World Cup).
To be fair, Colombia did enter the game without some of its starters, including Yerry Mina, Cristian Zapata, and Carlos Sanchez. They did, however, bring Bayern Munich star James Rodríguez with them. And at the 35:34 mark of the first half, James reminded the U.S. and everyone else what makes him such a special talent.
Filthy stuff from James herepic.twitter.com/E4Ahzx58Wp
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) October 12, 2018
James has a reputation for being a threat from long range and he certainly lived up to the hype on this goal. Here’s a closer look.
Wow…. James….. #USAvCOL pic.twitter.com/ytrmTJGp4m
— Nico Clavijo (@ClavijoSoccer) October 12, 2018
USMNT has their work cut out for them in the second half. That’s especially true because the Tampa crowd sure does seem to be more a Colombia one.
Nearing kickoff in #USAvCOL, looks like a home game for Los Cafeteros. About 70-80% Colombia fans at Raymond James pic.twitter.com/x3VR5r30Z1
— Jonathan Acosta (@_jacosta) October 11, 2018
