Colombia Strikes First Beats USA in Copa America Centenario Opener

Picture Courtesy of fcf.com.co

By Francisco Romero. – The awaited Copa America Centenario opened play with the United States Men’s National Team facing Colombia in Santa Clara, California Friday night.

For the Cafeteros it was the opening game they had dream off, a 2-0 victory over USA.

Both goals for Colombia were scored in the first half and that was enough for the opening round win.

Colombia’s Cristian Zapata scored off Edwin Cardona’s corner kick in the eighth minute of the game; it was the quickest opening goal of Copa America in the last 17 years.

The second goal came off the foot of James Rodriguez as he scored on a penalty kick just before the half. DeAndre Yedlin was whistled for handball in the box while trying to block a cross.

The U.S. played hard and had several chances to score, but just came up short, Clint Dempsey had a couple of clear shot that just missed going into the net.

Although Colombia took the victory, the whole nation is somewhat worried as Rodriguez was withdrawn from the match as he fell and appeared to injure his left shoulder at the 73^rd minute of play.

It has not been confirmed if he will be able to play the next match.

Colombia will face Paraguay on Tuesday June 7^th at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

The U.S. MNT continues Group A play in the 2016 Copa America Centenario against Costa Rica on June 7 at Soldier Field in Chicago.