It's officially time for Copa America preparations to take the field, as Gregg Berhalter will lead the United States Men's National Team against a Colombia team that is undefeated in the last 20 matches in all competitions. Still looking for a signature win, the USMNT has strong friendlies planned during this international break versus Colombia and Brazil. Concacaf teams have struggled so far during the break, and Berhalter will want to make sure his team doesn't suffer the same fate.
There are already questions to be answered about how the USMNT will fare without it Sergino Dest because they could start Joe Scally at right-back, move to a back three with Tim Weah at right-back or even deploy Chris Richards at right-back in a move that would free up space Antonee Robinson. While we don't know what method Berhalter will use, how this plays out will be a preview of what we can expect from the USMNT during the Copa America.
A team with high expectations to get out of a group UruguayPanama and Bolivia, if the USMNT is able to advance, will likely face Brazil or Colombia in the knockout stages, so it's important to get exposure beforehand.
Here are our storylines, how to watch the match and more:
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How to watch and odds
- Date: Saturday June 8 | Time: 5:30 p.m
- Place: FedEx Field – Landover, Maryland
- TV: TNT | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Chances: USMNT +160; Sign +205; Colombia +165
Storylines
USMNT: In the build-up to the match, Josh Sargent was the only member of the squad absent from group training. He had been struggling with ankle problems since the championship play-offs. “We have been training with Josh both in the gym and on the pitch and he will not be available for Colombia. We will have to see if he makes it for the match against Brazil and we will have to make a decision if he makes the Copa squad America makes it. He's had a nagging foot injury and we've been testing him to see where he stands,” Berhalter said.
That aside, with as clean a bill of health as he can get, Berhalter has at least had a chance to gauge his squad's fitness, which is important considering that Tyler AdamsGio Reyna, Tim Weah and Yunus Musah by the end of the season they were all struggling to get playing time. All four are crucial members of the squad, but Berhalter must also ensure they don't fall too far short of the Copa America, as more injuries could hamper the USMNT's chances.
Colombia: Led by Luis Diaz in attack, Colombia have risen to third place in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, including knocking out Brazil. With a shutout win over Spain as well, this is a team that could give the USMNT fits. The attack was balanced as Diaz teamed up with Rafel Santos Borre to score just two goals in World Cup qualifying, while James Rodriguez provided two assists. Besides the attack, it is the Colombian team's defense that has given them such trouble of late, with them only allowing three goals in their six qualifying matches. One player who could get a chance in the game after an impressive season in the Premier League is Jhon Duran. The former Chicago Fire man has been included in Colombia's squad and with striker being one of the more uncertain positions in the squad, strong performances could see him move up the pecking order.
Prediction
Neither of these teams will want to overextend each other in the match, with the chance to meet again in a few weeks leading to a cagey draw that doesn't answer many questions. Choose: USMNT 1, Colombia 1
