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 USMNT Fields Experienced Lineup with Young Additions for Colombia Friendly

The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) took the field for a friendly match against Colombia with a blend of experience and youthful promise. The starting lineup, boasting an average age of just over 25 years old, ranked as the ninth oldest under head coach Gregg Berhalter, but also one of the most experienced.

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With an average of 32.9 caps, this group sits as the seventh most seasoned under Berhalter and the second most since 2019. Only the lineup that faced Mexico in the Concacaf Nations League Final earlier this year had a higher average cap total.

Berhalter opted for three changes from the team that clinched the Nations League title, bringing in fresh faces at defender, midfielder, and forward. Joe Scally, Johnny Cardoso, and Folarin Balogun earned their starting debuts against South American opposition.

Captain Christian Pulisic continued to lead by example, wearing the armband for the 22nd time. The USMNT has a strong record of 16 wins, 2 draws, and only 3 losses whenever Pulisic captains the side. This match also marked his 67th cap, tying him for 37th on the USMNT's all-time caps list.

Goalkeeper Matt Turner solidified his position as the starter, making his 40th appearance for the national team. His impressive streak stretches back to September 2022, with starts in 25 of the last 27 USMNT matches he's been available for.

Johnny Cardoso earned his third career start for the US, his first since October 2023. The backline saw a debut partnership for the young quartet of Scally, Richards, Ream, and Robinson. This was also the second consecutive match where Richards and Ream paired in central defense.

Tim Ream, a veteran of the team, stands out for his continued contributions after turning 35. He has earned 11 of his 57 caps since his birthday, ranking him third among active USMNT players for most caps after 35 years old.

While Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tim Weah maintained their starting roles from previous matches, Robinson extended his streak to five consecutive starts for the US. Coach Berhalter's record remains positive at 43 wins, 14 draws, and 12 losses in his 69 games at the helm.

The match against Colombia held historical significance beyond the on-field action. With over 53,000 tickets sold, it ranked as the third-highest attended USMNT match ever played in the D.C. / Maryland/ Virginia area.

However, the historical record against Colombia wasn't as favorable. The US entered the match with a daunting 3-13-5 record against Los Cafeteros, with their last win coming almost two decades ago in 2005. This seven-game winless streak against Colombia represents the USMNT's second-longest against any opponent.

Despite the absence of forward Josh Sargent due to injury, the US squad showcased a balanced blend of experience and promising youth. The outcome of the match itself wasn't covered in this report, but the focus was on the team's composition and historical context surrounding the fixture.