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

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 11: Michael Bradley #24 of Unites States and Juan Cuadrado #11 of Colombia fight for the ball during an International Friendly at Raymond James Stadium on October 11, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 11: Michael Bradley #24 of Unites States and Juan Cuadrado #11 of Colombia fight for the ball during an International Friendly at Raymond James Stadium on October 11, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

2. In-game tactical changes lacking

Colombia focused on attacking the right side, early and often during the match. The lack of tactical flexibility was concerning for this team.

More from MLS Multiplex

Dave Sarachan elected to put Michael Bradley in the starting XI to provide leadership, handing him the captain’s armband. As Colombia continued to bring Santiago Arias and James Rodriguez forward with overlapping runs, no one from the central defense or midfield seemed to slide over to help.

This is something that should be expected of a leader like Bradley, or Sarachan, to fix in-game. If Bradley expects to continue to get call-ups, this is something that he will have to work on as a defensive midfielder and leader of the team.

As far as the coaching tactics, Grant Wahl did put out a statement in the broadcast that made it seem like Gregg Berhalter being hired is imminent, so this should be something that USMNT fans can look forward to changing.