The U.S. men’s national team continues its experience tour of friendly matches on Thursday and next Monday against countries who competed in the 2018 World Cup this year, Colombia and Peru:
∙ 11 October: U.S. vs. Colombia in Tampa, Florida
(7:30 p.m. Eastern time, shown on FS1, UniMas and UDN )
∙ 16 October: U.S. vs. Peru in East Hartford, Connecticut
(7:30 p.m. Eastern time, shown on ESPN2, UniMas and UDN)
While the U.S. didn’t qualify for the World Cup, Colombia won its group, but was eliminated by England on penalty kicks in the Round of 16; Peru finished third in its group and did not advance to the knock-out round.
Interim coach Dave Sarachan has brought back some of the better-known faces for these matches, including keeper Brad Guzan and midfielder Michael Bradley. “When you are building a team, at some point there has to be the proper blend of youth and experience,” noted Sarachan.
“As we head into these last four friendlies of the year, I felt the timing was right to begin that transition. I think it’s important to do it earlier than a week before the Gold Cup or a World Cup Qualifier. Bringing in players like Michael and Brad, who have a vast amount of experience and can be a great resource for our younger players – both on and off the field – is an important step for us at this point in time.”
Unfortunately, midfielders Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams are both injured and will miss both games.
Colombia’s squad includes 12 players who went to France, including star scorer James Rodriguez and midfielder Juan Cuadrado. Peru plans to have 16 members of its World Cup playing against the U.S.
The U.S. and Colombia have played 19 times with the first match in 1961. Colombia is 1-3-4 against the U.S.. In the most recent matches, at the 2016 Copa America Centenario, with Colombia winning twice, 2-0 on 3 June in group play, and 1-0 on 25 June in the third-place game.
