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The U.S. National Team put in a good effort, but were bested by Columbia 1-0 in the Copa America Centenario 3rd place match Saturday evening in Glendale Arizona.
Here is the #USMNT Starting XI for #USAvCOL. #OneNation pic.twitter.com/ERD64SuPlj
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) June 25, 2016
The match was an entertaining back and forth affair, with both teams eager to forget about disappointing performances in the semifinals.
However, Columbia would beat an improved U.S. defense in the 31st minute. Juan Cuadrado cut the ball back for James Rodriguez, who chipped a delicate ball over the top to Santiago Arias, and his header found Carlos Bacca for an athletic tap-in.
1-0! Carlos Bacca finishes off a lovely move to put Colombia in front. #USAvCOL #MyCopaColors pic.twitter.com/B1CNeBeY8s
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 26, 2016
The second 45 minutes was a similar story, as the USA and the Columbians exchanged chance after chance but neither side could manage to break through.
The game hit its peak midway through the second half when Columbia and the U.S. hit the woodwork within minutes of each other. First Cuadrado beat Tim Howard with a clever chip on the top of the box, but to Howard's relief, the ball smacked off the underside of the crossbar, then Bobby Wood got inside the Columbia box and fired a rocket, only for his shot to bounce off the post.
Columbia and Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina also had a huge stop on a Clint Dempsey free kick in the 50th minute to preserve their slim lead.
David Ospina has been the best goalkeeper at #CopaAmerica and it's not close. What a stop to deny Dempsey! #USAvCOL https://t.co/WDNJSQQXzX
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 26, 2016
Both Christian Pulisic and Darlington Nagbe were subbed in the match late, but Columbia held on to capture 3rd place.