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James Rodriguez scored Colombia's first goal in
the 36th minute and set up their last as the South Americans
stormed back after trailing 2-1 early in the second half.
A win or tie for the United States would have been a boost for a
team which failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia after
losing to Trinidad and Tobago a year and a day ago.
But it was not to be.
Colombia thoroughly outplayed the U.S. in the first half on a
hot and humid night in Florida, and drew first blood in the 36th
minute when Rodriguez curled a left-footed shot into the top
left corner.
With Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams all
unavailable due to injuries, interim U.S. head coach Dave
Sarachan made no changes at halftime but his team came out more
energized after the break.
Kellyn Acosta latched onto a long pass in the box from Antonee
Robinson to level the game in the 50th minute.
The U.S. took a 2-1 lead three minutes later when Timothy Weah
found space on the left wing and delivered to Bobby Wood, who
split two defenders to score.
Colombia's Carlos Bacca squared the contest three minutes later,
however, with a shot past the diving arms of keeper Zack
Steffen.
Colombia nosed ahead in the 74rd minute, with Radamel Falcao
capitalizing on a defensive breakdown to score, sending the
team's yellow-clad fans into a frenzy.
Colombia put the game away in emphatic style in the 79th minute
when Rodriguez found Miguel Borja across the box and the forward
hammered a volley into the corner.
Next up for the U.S. is a friendly against Peru on Tuesday in
Connecticut. Colombia battle Costa Rica on the same day in New
Jersey.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll; Editing by Ian Ransom)
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