USA vs. Colombia: 10 Bold Predictions

Jurgen Klinsmann’s USA Men’s National Team head to Craven Cottage, the home of the Fulham Football Club in London, to take on Jose Pekerman’s Colombia on Nov. 14. The USA and Colombia are familiar opponents, with their most notable meeting taking place in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, a match that the USA won on an infamous own goal by Andres Escobar. But there will be no high stakes or lives at stake; at least here at the MLS Multiplex we are sure that the safety of all who participate in this friendly are ensured.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Friday’s match between the USA and Colombia.

1. James Rodriguez with a brace

James Rodriguez is what everyone came to see, and he will come up huge. With 12 goals under his belt in 30 appearances, he is the current face of Colombian football, and he will score a brace in this match.

2. Camilo Vargas with at least five saves

The only goalkeeper that has some experience under his belt for Colombia is Camilo Vargas of Colombian side Santa Fe, with two caps. Watch for Vargas to make some stops on goal against the USA with at least five saves.

3. At least 40 fouls, under five cards

This is a friendly, so not a lot of cards will be issued, but the intensity between two World Cup teams will be there. At least 40 fouls will be issued and under five cards will be issued.

4. Teofilo Gutierrez will score

River Plate striker Teofilo Gutierrez has 36 caps and 13 goals for Los Cafeteros and will be important to Colombia’s chances going forward. Watch for Gutierrez to strike in this match in the second half.

5. Brad Guzan with at least six saves

Colombia have some shooters, and Brad Guzan is going to have it tough for the States in goal. Nonetheless, the Aston Villa bookend will have a decent, if futile night. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting for at least six saves from Guzan.

6. The most unexpected of goalscorers: Lee Nguyen

More from MLS News

• Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
• Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
• The Chicago Fire does not deserve your support anymore
• Heading to America: Alexis Sanchez Aims for New Horizons in American or Mexican Soccer
• Ethan Horvath: The Bridge Between Two Worlds in Soccer

Lee Nguyen is experiencing a renaissance of sorts, with 18 goals for the New England Revolution. Nguyen will score in the first half against Colombia and it will be a historic first goal. His form could lead to massive things for the Revs.

7. Julian Green with an assist and a goal

Julian Green will also have a good night out at Craven Cottage. The Hamburger SV midfielder has just four caps and a goal to his credit but he is the wave of the future and will earn an assist and a goal on Friday.

8. No goals for Jozy Altidore

There will be two players that will go AWOL for the USA against Colombia. One of them is the often-maligned Jozy Altidore, who has 74 caps but just 24 goals to show for it. The Plex calls for Jozy to be off the scoresheet against Colombia.

9. No goals for Chris Wondolowski

Another player that will be missing from action is San Jose Earthquakes striker Chris Wondolowski, who had 24 caps and nine goals for the United States. Wondo will also be predicted not to get on the scoresheet in this match.

10. Colombia win a close contest

This is a match full of goals, but also a match with simply too much James Rodriguez. Colombia is boldly predicted by the MLS Multiplex to prevail in this match over the USA, but the fans at the Cottage will get what they paid for.

Colombia 3, USA 2