US To Kick Off Copa America Centenario With Game Vs Colombia

The 2016 Copa America Centenario is set to begin Friday night, with the host United States facing off against Colombia in the opening match to be held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

US To Kick Off Copa America Centenario With Game Vs Colombia

The soccer tournament is typically held every four years in Latin America, but the 2016 edition marks the 100th anniversary and features six teams from CONCACAF in addition to all 10 CONMEBOL countries.

Following a rough start to both 2015 and 2016, the US Men’s National Team has won its last four games, including friendlies against Ecuador and Bolivia, in preparation for the tournament. The US most recently defeated Ecuador 4-0 on Saturday.

Colombia, which is ranked third in the world, reached the quarterfinals of the previous Copa America, as well as the quarterfinals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The United States is 3-10-4 all-time against Colombia, their most recent matchup in 2014 ending in a 2-1 victory for the latter.

The US men’s roster includes stars like Seattle Sounders midfielder Clint Dempsey, Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley, and Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan. 

The game will begin at 9:30 pm ET, and will air on Fox Sports 1 and Univision.

PHOTO: NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 21: The groups are set at the completion of the 2016 Copa America Centenario – Draw Ceremony at Hammerstein Ballroom on February 21, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Article by Pablo Mena