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USMNT Vs Colombia: 3 things we learned – Promise, potential, disappointment

By Elmer Plasencia

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 07: United States defender Antonee Robinson (17) during the second half of the International Friendly Soccer match between the the United States and Brazil on September 7, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 07: United States defender Antonee Robinson (17) during the second half of the International Friendly Soccer match between the the United States and Brazil on September 7, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 07: United States defender Antonee Robinson (17) during the second half of the International Friendly Soccer match between the the United States and Brazil on September 7, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

USMNT took on Colombia in the first of two October international break friendlies. Here are three things we learned from the 4-2 defeat.

The U.S. Men’s National Team played host to Colombia at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida in front a home crowd that heavily favored the Colombians.

The Colombia side featured international stars such as James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado and were looking full strength to start the match.

Related Story. USMNT Vs Colombia: 3 takeaways for U.S. soccer. light

Dave Sarachan lined up his squad in a 4-2-3-1 to start the match, most notably leaving Wil Trapp on the bench and slotting in Michael Bradley. Bradley made his first appearance for USMNT after that fateful night in Trinidad and gave fans plenty to talk about. Zack Steffen started another game between the posts and was the only MLS player to start for the Stars and Stripes.

The match was always going to be a test for a mostly inexperienced team and a pacey, attacking side like Colombia was going to expose certain weaknesses. These weaknesses proved to be too much for USMNT as they lost the match 4-2.

So, here are three things we learned.

CHESTER, PA – MAY 28: Antonee Robinson #17 of the United States controls the ball during the friendly soccer match against Bolivia at Talen Energy Stadium on May 28, 2018 in Chester, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
CHESTER, PA – MAY 28: Antonee Robinson #17 of the United States controls the ball during the friendly soccer match against Bolivia at Talen Energy Stadium on May 28, 2018 in Chester, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

3. Left-back continues to be an issue for this team but there is hope

Antonee Robinson did not have his best game on Thursday night getting beat for several of Colombia’s goals. All is not lost for the young left back, though.

The 21-year-old, who is on loan at Wigan Athletic from Everton, is still developing and will continue to get better. Games like these are teaching opportunities for young prospects like Robinson and, as his defensive prowess continues to develop, he will be a key cog in future national teams.

The more concerning part to watch was the inability tactically to respond to Colombia in the first half. Robinson was left out on an island more often than not in transition and this is something that Sarachan should have pitched and planned for pre-match. This leads us to the next point, tactics.

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