USA vs. Colombia: Score, Reaction from 2016 Copa America

Colombia kicked off the 2016 Copa America by completely stifling the United States in a 2-0 victory at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.  

Colombia scored both goals in the first half, starting with Cristian Zapata’s corner-kick conversion in the eighth minute, via Fox Soccer:

Cristian Zapata converts off the corner kick to give Colombia an early lead in the #CopaAmerica opener. #USAvCOL https://t.co/2iFB3mMzTM

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 4, 2016

Colombia remained ahead 1-0 for most of the first half, though the United States was often controlling the ball. The Americans struggled to create chances for themselves, not netting their first shot on goal until the 60th minute. 

That’s when Clint Dempsey nearly headed home a pass from Michael Bradley. Colombia kept a defender right by the post to prevent the ball from going in.

Dempsey had another excellent chance to get the U.S. on the board on a free kick moments later that nearly found the right corner of the net, but Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina saved it. 

Those were the Americans’ only two shots on goal out of 12 total attempts in the game. 

There were no such problems for Colombia, who finished with seven shots on goal in 13 total attempts. James Rodríguez doubled the lead in the 42nd minute on a penalty kick after DeAndre Yedlin was called for a handball, via MLS on Twitter:

The spot kick that doubled the Colombia lead. #USAvCOL #CopaAmerica https://t.co/DFsbfhz3RG

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 4, 2016

It’s hardly a surprise to anyone that has watched Colombia play at any point in the last two years that Rodriguez found a way to get in on the action, per ESPN FC:

24-year-old James Rodriguez has been a key part of the Colombia offense since 2014. …

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