USA Sports
USA Suffers Worst Defeat in Gregg Berhalter Era in 5-1 Thrashing
This match was the first of two international friendlies as the USMNT prepares for the upcoming Copa América.
LANDOVER, Md. — The United States men's national soccer team faced a humbling 5-1 defeat against Colombia on Saturday, marking the worst loss in the Gregg Berhalter era. This match, held at Commanders Field, was the first of two international friendlies as the USMNT prepares for the upcoming Copa América.
The game started disastrously for the USMNT, with Antonee Robinson's clearance falling directly to Colombia's John Arias, who capitalized with a goal in the sixth minute. The situation worsened when Rafael Santos Borré scored a spectacular bicycle kick from a corner in the 19th minute, putting the US team two goals behind early in the match.
Despite a moment of hope when Folarin Balogun's excellent pass set up Tim Weah for a goal in the 32nd minute, the USMNT could not mount a significant comeback. Colombia continued their dominance, with Richard Ríos adding a third goal in the 77th minute, followed by Jorge Carrascal and Luis Sinisterra scoring in the 85th and 88th minutes, respectively.
This defeat against the 12th-ranked Colombian team, considered the toughest opposition the USMNT has faced this year, highlighted significant defensive frailties and a lack of cohesion in the squad. The match served as a stark reminder of the work that remains for Berhalter and his team as they approach the Copa América, set to begin on June 21 against Bolivia.
Berhalter used this friendly to evaluate his squad, making several substitutions, including replacing Christian Pulisic with Haji Wright at halftime and withdrawing Tim Ream and Weston McKennie before the end of the game. However, these changes did little to alter the course of the match, as the USMNT struggled to cope with Colombia's relentless pressure and clinical finishing.
The opening half was particularly challenging for the USMNT, with defensive errors leading to Colombia's early goals. Robinson's misjudged clearance and the inability to defend set pieces effectively were glaring issues. Although Balogun came close to scoring himself, the US attack lacked the cutting edge needed to trouble Colombia's defense consistently.
In the second half, the USMNT's struggles continued. Robinson found it difficult to handle the overloads on the left side, and the team's attack, while creating some opportunities, failed to convert them into goals. The absence of Sergiño Dest in the build-up play was noticeable, and the overall tentativeness displayed by the team ahead of a major tournament is a cause for concern.
Berhalter acknowledged the severity of the defeat, describing it as a "wake-up call" for the team. He emphasized the need for rapid improvement, particularly in defensive organization and decision-making under pressure. With the Copa América fast approaching, the USMNT must address these issues to avoid an early exit from the tournament.
The upcoming friendly against Brazil on June 12 will be another crucial test for the USMNT. Berhalter and his coaching staff will need to make significant adjustments to the team's tactics and lineup to ensure a more competitive performance. The match against Brazil will provide another opportunity to assess the squad's readiness and make necessary changes before the Copa América.
The USMNT's roster for the Copa América includes a mix of veterans from the 2022 World Cup and emerging talents. The team will need to rely on the experience of players like Pulisic, McKennie, and Tyler Adams, while also integrating younger players who can bring fresh energy and creativity to the squad.
As the USMNT prepares for the Copa América, the lessons learned from the defeat against Colombia will be crucial. The team must improve its defensive solidity, enhance its attacking efficiency, and build a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level. The road to redemption begins with addressing the shortcomings exposed in this match and working tirelessly to ensure a stronger performance in the upcoming tournament.