 TAMPA, Florida – Colombia’s superior soccer and offensive punch led the South American team to a 4-2 victory over the United States in a friendly match. With a left-footed strike, Colombian forward James Rodriguez tucked the ball into the corner of goalkeeper Zach Steffen’s net to open the scoring in the 36th minute at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. Three minutes later, Radamel Falcao was poised to increase the visitors’ lead, but a well-positioned Steffen made the stop. Colombia stumbled on defense in the second half, opening the door for the US to take a 2-1 lead with goals by Kellyn Acosta in the 50th minute and Bobby Wood three minutes later, both on the counter. The visitors were quick to regroup and leveled the score in the 56th minute with Carlos Bacca’s goal off a perfect cross from Santiago Arias. In the 74th minute, Falcao completed a brilliant counterattack with a goal to put the Colombian ahead 3-2 and Miguel Borja added a fourth in the 79th. With the victory, Colombia has won 13 of their 20 matches with the US since the teams first faced other in 1961. The Stars and Stripes have prevailed three times and the other four contests ended in draws. |