Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris started and logged 90 minutes in the U.S. Under-23 team's 1-1 draw against Colombia on Friday in the first leg of the teams’ Olympic qualifying series in Barranquilla, Colombia.
Former Real Salt Lake midfielder Luis Gil scored the lone goal for the U.S. in the 6th minute, but Colombia answered in the 68th minute with a penalty kick from Juan Quintero after a foul in the box on FC Dallas midfielder Kellyn Acosta.
Despite losing the lead, the Americans’ effort in sweltering heat on Friday is encouraging for their hopes in the series. The U.S. will now carry an even score line and a crucial away goal into the second leg at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas on Tuesday (4 p.m. PT; ESPN2).
The U.S. are seeking their first berth in the Olympics since 2008.
Morris nearly scored in the 64th minute, an opportunity that would have shifted the momentum of the match in the Americans’ favor over the final half hour. But Morris’ ambitious effort – a one-timed shot from 22 yards out with the outside of his right foot – caromed off the crossbar, and Colombia leveled the game three minutes later.
Morris also nearly set up a goal in the 27th minute after surging down the left flank and sending a cross into the box, but Gil skied a chance over the bar and well out of harm’s way.
Gil’s goal came after some heavy lifting from forward Mario Rodriguez, who raced down the right flank and to the end line before he drifted a cross back into the box to a wide open Gil for the finish.
