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The USMNT face Colombia in the first match of the Copa America Centenario tonight, and they will have to put on a strong showing in order to get anything from the match. They have a potentially tough group that includes World Cup quarter-finalists Costa Rica and last year's fourth place Copa finishers, Paraguay. It is important for the U.S. to start strong in the hopes of grabbing what could be three vital points.
Photo: @felix_futball | Twitter
However, the U.S. doesn't have the best record coming into this game. They have won only three times in their last 21 matches versus South American opposition, and the last time they faced Colombia in the Copa America in 2007, it didn't work out too well for them.
Both teams had already been eliminated from the competition, but there was still plenty of pride at stake for Bob Bradley's USMNT side. In an intense, open game, the U.S. couldn't find a response to a Jaime Castrillon goal in the 14th minute, which saw them lose three consective matches for the first time since 2001. A young Brad Guzan was in goal that day, and he will be wanting to right the wrongs of that loss.
Colombia are a much stronger side now, with the likes of James Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado and Carlos Bacca leading the line, but arguably the U.S. are much stronger now as well. Considering they are on home soil, the U.S. will be hoping to repeat their 2-1 victory over Colombia in the 1994 World Cup which was also on home soil. However, the last time the U.S. was able to beat Colombia was in an international friendly in 2005, so they will have to be at their very best to get a result tonight.
The game kicks off at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California at 9:30 p.m. EST.
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