USMNT vs Colombia summary: score, goals, highlights | International friendly
USMNT vs Colombia: international friendly
Full-time: USMNT 0-0 Colombia
All over in Carson. An entertaining first half, much less so in the second period.
The opening 30 minutes in particular were played at an electric pace, which made up for the overall lack of quality on show. The Colombians arguably looked more threatening when they broke forward, which sees strange to say considering they didn't really create any clear openings. The USMNT did, with Paxten Aaronson having a deflected effort clip the post and Matthew Hoppe choosing to shoot - straight at Álvaro Montero - from a tight angle when he really should've squared for the unmarked Paul Arriola.
The second period was rather more of a let-down, with neither goalkeeper having a single save to make. In contrast to the first period, Colombia offered absolutely no threat until Frank Farba strode into the box and shot into the side-netting in injury time. The USMNT were marginally more menacing but most of their threat came from set plays. Walker Zimmerman and Brandon Vázquez both headed over, while the latter just failed to get on the end of Kellyn Acosta's wicked delivery right at the death.
Neither manager will have been especially impressed with any of his attackers, with defences very much on top, especially in the second half. In any case, the USMNT and Colombian will both send out vastly different teams when they play their next competitive fixtures in March.
USMNT vs Colombia: a glimpse of the future?
Thank you for joining me and apologies that we weren't able to bring you any goals (unfortunately, that was out of our hands).
Let's finish on a positive; a whole host of young players have gained some valuable international experience, which will no doubt stand them in good stead as they look to become regular fixtures in their national teams. Some fine defensive performers, if some disappointing attacking ones.
What next for the USMNT and Colombia?
The USMNT are next in action at the end of March, when they will play a Concacaf Nations League double header against Grenada (away) and El Salvador (home).
Colombia, meanwhile, don't currently have any fixtures confirmed.
Out of nowhere, Colombia almost snatch it at the death! The visitors neatly work the ball into Fabra, who comes infield and into the box, where he makes space for a shot, which he smashes into the side-netting.
So close to a winner! A lovely ball in from Acosta just evades both Vázquez and Rogers in the middle.
Another chance for Acosta to get the ball into the box from a free-kick. Here we go...!
Aaronson inexplicably doesn't get a free-kick on the edge of the box as Ruiz takes him out from behind.
Referee must've been daydreaming about anything other than this second half.
A free-kick for the USMNT in a really good position out on the left. Surely we're due a chance, at least?
Castaño on for Velásquez for Colombia. I've now lost count of how many times I've used the 'substitution' icon.
A third defensive change for the US as Gressel replaces Tolkin.
Such a disappointing half from Colombia in an attacking sense. They were dangerous in the first half, not at all in the second.
A nasty, nasty tackle from Sabbi on Campuzano earns him a yellow card.
Nothing, is the short answer.
A corner for the USMNT, what can they do here?
Neither side is looking remotely like scoring a goal at the moment, if I'm being totally honest (I'm hoping for the reverse live blogger's curse to kick in here, if there is such a thing).
The US' central defensive pairing now have a grand total of three caps between them but they've already shown some assured touches and are looking to bring the ball forward out of defence.
Another switch in defence for the hosts, with Sam Rogers on for Aaron Long.
There's really not been much in the way of goalmouth action in this second period, which has been a bit of a let-down after the first.
And the changes keep coming. Neal takes Zimmerman's place at the back for the USMNT.
Moreno and Ruiz on for Colombia, Hernández and Borrero off.
One of the worst free-kicks I've ever seen there from Kellyn Acosta. Wasn't a cross, wasn't a shot, wasn't anything.
Emmanuel Sabbi comes on for his debut for the US, replacing Paul Arriola.
A controlled passage of play from the Colombians for almost the first time in the game. Of course, as soon as I say that, they stick it straight out of play.
Brandon Vázuqez comes on for Jesús Ferreira for the USMNT.
A sight of goal for Cambindo as the ball drops to him in the box but he's off balance and doesn't get a clean connection on it.
Ahhhhh, so nearly a big chance for Ferreira! Arriola does well to feed the Dallas man from the right, the striker takes a good touch but is eventually crowded out in the box.
Not quite sure what Hernández is trying to do as he breaks away down the left. A couple of unorthodox touches from the Colombian gives Jones the chance to snuff out the danger.
Definitely not too friendly there between Acosta and Campuzano. The USMNT captain put in a hard, but fair, challenge on Borrero, which Campuzano took exception to.
A chance for Zimmerman from Acosta's corner but he can't keep his header down.
Another chance for Hoppe to find Arriola in the middle and again he fails. One touch too many for the forward and his attempted cross is cut out. Arriola was in acres of space.
We've seen absolutely nothing on the USMNT full-backs in attack so far but John Tolkin goes on a driving run from left-back for the first time which ends with him on the floor as he's taken out by an opponent.
Soñora looking for Hoppe in behind. A nice idea but Mosquera gets in between the winger and the ball to make sure the attack stops there.
We've already seen a new facet to the Colombians' play as goalkeeper Chunga launches a long ball up to Cambindo, who looks like he's going to hold the ball up more than Arango did.
Back underway in Carson! Let's have a goal or two please...
Half-time substitutions
The first of the switches sees Alan Soñora come on for Eryk Williamson for the USMNT.
Two changes for Colombia, with goalkeeper José Luis Chunga and attacker Diber Cambindo coming on for Álvaro Montero and Cristian Arango.
Second-half changes
Let's play a little game: how many changes can you see the two teams making during the second half?
I've got a feeling I'm going to be using the 'substitution' icon an awful lot over the next hour or so...
Exactly as it says.
Half-time: USMNT 0-0 Colombia
Well, that was absolutely frantic. Not much quality, if we're being honest, but plenty of entertainment.
There's been lots of endeavour, some high pressing, meaty challenges and plenty of fight. There have also been a lot of misplaced passes on both sides, which has added to the excitement.
A strange half in the sense that Colombia have looked more dangerous when they've attacked, yet they've not actually created any clear-cut chances. The USMNT, on the other hand, have been more efficient in their attacking, with Paxten Aaronson having a deflected strike clip the post and Matthew Hoppe wasting a great opportunity to pass to the unmarked Paul Arriola in the middle after a superb through-ball from Jesús Ferreira.
We'll inevitably get lots of changes in the second half but let's hope the entertainment level remains the same!
Three minutes of additional time.
Acosta's ball in takes a nick off a Colombian defender and is inches away from dropping to a series of his USMNT teammates in the box.
A yellow card for Fabra as he hauls Arriola down just outside the box. A lovely pass from Williamson. A free-kick in a very dangerous position here...
Colombian dicing with death - so to speak - as they attempt to play the ball out from the back. The USMNT put them under some serious pressure but they just about get away with it. Not sure they should be trying that again...
A sight of goal for Arango! Mosquera's cross from the right is headed away by Zimmerman to Arango, who takes a touch before slicing a half-volley wide of Johnson's post.
A definite lull in play this time as both sides are able to calmly play the ball about under no pressure for the first time in the game.
Another little stoppage as Aaronson goes in hard on Arango. These guys are not messing about, great to see.
Things started to getting a little crazy again as Colombia work the ball to Borrero on the edge of the box but he shoots a yard or two off target.
The best move of the game from the USMNT! A lovely through ball from Ferreira releases Hoppe, who has Arriola free in the middle but goes himself, only to shoot weakly at Montero.
Valoyes is indeed OK to continue but Paul Arriola might not be after the Colombian hacks him down in midfield. Yellow.
Things have settled down in the last few minutes after 25 absolutely mad minutes. Very little structure to either team's play, you can tell these guys haven't played together much before.
A little break in play for the first time as Valoyes is down. Looks like he'll be able to carry on though.
The break-neck pace continues. Arango completely misses his kick from an Arango cross but the ball is picked up by Borrero, whose low shot is easily collected by Johnson.
A BIG handball shout in the Colombia box as Fabra volleys it away with his hand as he jumps. That would be a bigger deal if this wasn't a friendly...
Hernández is next in line for a shot on goal, it's deflected away for a corner to Colombia, which comes to nothing.
The efforts on goal just keep on coming. Arango this time, but he curls comfortably wide from the edge of the area.
This is absolutely manic. Chaotic defending from the USMNT as Zimmerman tries to cut the ball - which is running through to Sean Johnson - out, it drops to Velásquez, who skews a shot wide when he could've done much better.
And Colombia immediately race away down the other end! Mosquera leads the counter-attack but the break ends with a poor ball into the penalty area.
Aaronson hits the post!
Aaronson in the thick of the goalmouth action! A similar chance for the youngster from a neat layoff from Arriola but his deflected shot clips the post on its way wide.
There's a VERY healthy Colombian contingent in the crowd for this one. Huge cheers when the South Americans go on the attack.
This is end-to-end! Another low cross, this time from Hoppe, Montero collects.
Another cross from Valoyes finds a teammate this team but Hernández can't get the ball on target at the back post.
The hectic starts continues and Valoyes races away down the right and fires a dangerous ball into the box, with Johnson grabs at the second attempt.
Chance for Aaronson!
Hoppe gets in behind on the left and lays if off to Aaronson, whose low strike is just too central and allows Montero to save.
Only Walker Zimmeman started the defeat to Serbia on Wednesday, A much more experienced side for this one, with Aaronson and Tolkin the only debutants.
Ooooft, you don't see that often in a friendly. Velásquez booked for that challenge.
Not very friendly there from Velásquez as he launches into a challenge on Long as he cleared the ball.
A midfield battle so far, plenty of endeavour with not much soccer being played.
And we're off! What should we expect from this one?
Minute's applause
A minute's applause in honour of Kevin Payne, Grant Wahl and Pelé, all of whom sadly passed away in December.
National anthems review
A very lively Colombian anthem, went on longer than I expected.
No instruments for the US anthem, just a big voice.
National anthems
The teams have made their way onto the field. Time for the anthems!
Colombia line-up
And here is the Colombian team to take on the USA.
I make that four US-based players.
USMNT line-up
A little reminder of how the USMNT will line-up for this one.
Paul Arriola to win his 50th cap for the USMNT!
A milestone this evening for FC Dallas' Paul Arriola, who starts against Colombia for his 50th cap for the USMNT. He's netted 10 goals in his previous 49 appearances.
Will he grab another today?
USMNT interim coach Anthony Hudson on Colombia
Hudson was inevitably asked about the Colombian side he expects his team to face and highlighted the South Americans’ quality on the ball and their dynamic style of play. An “intense game” and “difficult opponents, just like Serbia”.
“It’s a different test. Colombia are a very good team. They have a lot of good one-v-one players, a lot of quick players, direct players, good on the counterattack. It will be a good match”.
USMNT interim coach Anthony Hudson on the 2024 Copa América
Going back to the return of the Copa América to the United States in 2024, Hudson was asked about on Friday too and argued that it was a great opportunity for the USMNT to test themselves against the best teams in the Americas, as well as serving as preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
“It’s exciting and it’s something I know the players are looking forward to. It’s going to be amazing for the fans in this country. It’s great news. I think it’s a great way to help soccer grow here in the United States and it’s going to be very exciting for sure.”
Kickoff delayed!
Breaking news coming in via the Colombian national team's Twitter account...kickoff will be delayed by seven minutes. Not completely sure why but it'll give me more time to track down that Colombian top.
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You'll be well aware that the United States, along with Mexico and Canada, will be hosting the 2026 World Cup but it was also revealed on Friday that the 2024 Copa América will also be played in the US, as part of a new strategic collaboration between CONMEBOL and Concacaf.
Have a look at the details.
What did USMNT interim coach Anthony Hudson say about his role?
Much has been made about how this is the start of the USMNT's preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which seems mad, considering we've only just dipped into 2023. This is their second match this week after the Serbia defeat and interim boss Anthony Hudson spoke to the press on Friday about a number of different things, including how his own position his changed:
“My goal is just to keep preparing the team for as long as I’m asked to do it. I’m focusing on doing everything I can to move the team forward, to start preparing them now for the next FIFA window in March,” he explained.
In addition, he highlighted his desire to get the best out of the current crop of USMNT players and build some momentum for the next USMNT coach, who will be in charge for the next four years.
“I’ll continue doing all I can. This is a really, really special team. I know how important this national team is and I want to do all I can to make sure it’s in a good place for whoever comes in, whenever that is.”
USMNT's unique training gear
What are we making of this USMNT effort? Pretty out there but I also quite like it.
As far as I can tell, no two are the same, which is pretty cool.
Can't miss the Colombians
It's bright, it's loud...but I like that Colombian training top, I must say.
If I'm quiet for five minutes it's because I'm looking to see where I can get one.
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I mentioned a little earlier that none of the respective teams' big European-based stars are involved, which includes Weston McKennie, who is all set to move from Juventus to Leeds United in the Premier League.
Joe has got more on the USMNT midfielder's transfer.
Colombia team to face the USMNT
And here's how Colombia will line up against the USMNT in Carson:
Montero, Mosquera, Llinás, Pérez, Fabra; Velásquez, Campuzano, Borrero; Valoyes, Arango, Hernández.
USMNT team to play Colombia
Hudson has named his line-up and it's as experienced as you can get, with Sean Johnson, Aaron Long, Walker Zimmerman, Paul Arriola and Kellyn Acosta, who captains the team, all starting.
Long; Jones, Zimmerman, Long, Tolkin; Aaronson, Acosta, Williamson; Arriola, Hoppe, Vázquez.
It's a new dawn for the USMNT. The Gregg Berhalter days are over and the new coach is...well, we don't actually know yet.Anthony Hudson has been tasked with taking the team until further notice following Berhalter's departure at the end of his contract after the 2022 World Cup.
But who is Anthony Hudson? Here's William with a little profile of the man who was Berhalter's assistant, has managed another nation at international level as well as in the MLS.
No James Rodríguez, Juan Cuadrado or Radamel Falcao for Colombia vs USMNT
Similarly, we won’t get to see any of Colombia’s established stars this evening. Frank Fabra of Boca Juniors is on this particular roster, he’s in line to win his 27th cap. Other than that, nobody has more than three caps and a whole host of players are in contention to make their debuts. You’ll be able to tell your grandkids that you were watching when future superstars Dylan Borrero or Daniel Ruiz made their international debuts.
What time does USMNT vs Colombia kick off?
Saturday’s game will be played in Carson, California will kick-off at 7.30pm ET, that’s 4.30pm PT. Over the course of the next hour, I’ll be bringing you build-up, team news and plenty, plenty more.
Are you ready? Let’s do it!
Did you miss that friendly against Serbia? Well, it ended in defeat. But Anthony Hudson had a very inexperienced team to work with and will have been buoyed by a debut goal forBrandon Váqzuez and a first appearance for Gaga Slonina who, at 18 years, 255 days old, became the youngest goalkeeper to play for the USMNT, surpassing Tony Meola.
Here's what went down.
No Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie or Christian Pulisic for the USMNT
I’m not here to pull the wool over anyone’s eyes here. Reyna is busy scoring winning goals for Borussia Dortmund, McKennie is off sealing a move from Juventus to Leeds United and Pulisic is getting splinters in his backside at Chelsea. The big stars aren’t necessarily going to be on show for the US in this game but that will allow us to get a glimpse of the future. Veteran MLS stars Zimmermann, Ariola, Long are involved, as are eight players who made their national team debuts in the defeat to Serbia three days ago.
More in that in a second.
Looking for a place to watch the game? Well then, you’re in luck! If you’re in the United States, there is a way and this is it!
Just make sure you stick with me too though, please!
Hello and welcome to USMNT vs Colombia!
It may be an international friendly but is there such thing as a ‘friendly’ in soccer these days? We’ve got the USMNT against Colombia coming up for you in an hour or so in what should be a fascinating, experimental clash between two national teams looking to the future. Thanks for joining me (Roddy)!