U.S. loss to Colombia in third-place game is some consolation for Copa America efforts

Posted Sunday, June 26, 2016 by Goal.com

As far away as the USA felt from being able to compete with Argentina, a tight match against Colombia was some consolation for the Copa.

As distant as fourth place might seem from first in Copa America Centenario, it did not seem terribly far from third.

Is that enough of a consolation for the United States men’s national team to take from a consolation game?

The U.S. lost to Colombia 1-0 in the Copa America third-place game Saturday night in Glendale, Ariz., which was half the deficit for the Americans when these two teams opened the tournament in California more than three weeks ago. And they seemed to play twice as well, but ultimately could not find a goal to counter the game-winner delivered by forward Carlos Bacca late in the first half.

The Americans outshot Colombia, 10-9, and possession was split almost evenly. The Americans pushed hard for a tying goal that would have forced a penalty shootout, but Colombia’s withdrawn defense made it difficult to find room for an ideal shot and its ability to control the ball after winning it cut down on the time available to create that chance.

It was the third time in six games of the tournament the U.S. was shut out, but this was nothing like the embarrassment that occurred Tuesday night in Houston when Argentina threw a 4-0 pounding at the Americans.

With Jermaine Jones, Alejandro Bedoya and Bobby Wood back from the card suspensions that cost them an opportunity to play the semifinal against Argentina, coach Jurgen Klinsmann continued his emphasis on older, more experienced players. Promising young midfielders Darlington Nagbe and Christian Pulisic were left on the bench.