The US national team and Colombia kicked off the Copa America Centenario on Friday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, with Colombia winning 2-0 courtesy of two first-half goals.
Colombia got off to a fantastic start just eight minutes in, as Cristian Zapata found space in the box and slotted home Edwin Cardona's corner kick to make it 1-0.
A penalty was called for Colombia in the 40th minute, as a cross into the box hit DeAndre Yedlin's hand. James Rodriguez stepped up and converted the spot kick to double the lead.
The best chances for the US came at and just past the hour mark, as Clint Dempsey, who earned his 125th cap in the opening Copa match, tested Colombia's defense in quick succession. First, his header off a corner kick was blocked on the goal line by Sebastian Perez, and then a free kick a few minutes later forced a save from Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina. The USMNT will face its next challenge on Tuesday, June 7 versus Costa Rica at 5 p.m. PT.
Copa America play opens at CenturyLink Field on Saturday, June 4 when Haiti and Peru battle in Group B play. Tickets are still available for the match.
Box Score
- 8' - COL - Cristian Zapata (Edwin Cardona)
- 42' - COL - James Rodriguez (PK)
- Full box score
- Stats
