Clint Dempsey, USMNT finish 4th in Copa after 1-0 loss to Colombia

The United States’ rematch with Colombia in the Copa America Centenario third-place match went pretty similarly to the opener, as the Americans played well but still lost 1-0 to the men in yellow. This result saw the U.S. get fourth place, matching its best-ever finish in the tournament.

After the Americans’ 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Argentina, the hosts of the Copa saw the players that were suspended in that match – Jermaine Jones, Bobby Wood and Alejandro Bedoya – return to the side. A couple of other changes seemed to be due to injury, as Michael Orozco came in for Fabian Johnson and Matt Besler for John Brooks. The most noteworthy change, however, was Tim Howard for Brad Guzan. Some have speculated that the match was a bit of a sendoff for Howard, but nothing official has been announced about his retirement.

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Similar to the Americans’ opening match against Colombia, the home side started brightly and held its own against a dangerous team. The first half-hour was pretty open, as both teams had little chances but no breakthroughs thanks to some great saves and defensive moves. Colombia finally found a breakthrough in the 31st minute. James Rodriguez chipped in a beautiful pass over the U.S. defense and Carlos Bacca got the final touch to put his team up 1-0. The half ended with that as the only goal. The U.S. played well, but Colombia showed its quality in that excellent goal sequence.

The second half also started well for the U.S. as Sounders forward Clint Dempsey nearly equalized with an exquisite direct free kick. Unfortunately for the U.S., David Ospina met an excellent shot with an even better save to keep Colombia ahead. Both teams knocked at the door afterwards, each bouncing shots off the crossbar and posts.

As the game wore on, the U.S. clearly started to tire and wasn’t getting in the dangerous positions it was earlier in the half. Christian Pulisic and Darlington Nagbe come on, with the former looking quite good in his appearance. Late double red cards highlighted the final minutes, with Orozco getting sent off for the U.S. after head-butting an opponent out of frustration.

Spenser Davis also covers the Sounders for Sounder at Heart.

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