United States vs Colombia

FedEx Field sets the stage for a handsomely-looking friendly between the United States and Colombia.

Though the United States got 2024 off to a dismal start, losing 1-0 to Slovenia in a friendly, they recovered in March, beating Jamaica and Mexico to win the CONCACAF Nations League. Another high-profile tournament awaits the ‘USMNT’ as they return to Copa America this summer for the first time since 2016, looking to erase the memory of a disheartening Gold Cup semi-final exit a year ago. Beating Colombia in the build-up to the tournament would be an ideal confidence booster, yet that’s a feat they’ve failed to achieve across their last seven H2Hs (D2, L5), five of which saw them finish the game goalless. That will heighten the pressure on Gregg Berhalter’s porous backline, which has only kept one clean sheet in their last four matches.

On the other hand, Colombia might have failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, but they won’t lack confidence ahead of Copa America following a stunning resurgence under Nestor Lozano. Single-goal margin wins against Romania and Spain in March extended Colombia’s winning run to six matches, not to mention they’re now undefeated in 21 consecutive internationals (W16, D5). As one of the potential title candidates at the upcoming tournament, Los Cafeteros will rely on a steely backline to carry the team towards success, with Lozano’s side keeping an eye-catching 13 clean sheets during that 21-game sequence. With their last seven victories coming by a narrow one-goal margin, one goal could suffice in Maryland.