USMNT announces starting lineup for friendly vs. Colombia originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The second starting lineup of 2023 is here for the United States men’s national team.
Fresh off a 2-1 loss to Serbia on Wednesday, interim manager Anthony Hudson is rotating the starting XI for Saturday’s friendly against Colombia, which remains as a 4-3-3 shape:
Veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson comes in between the sticks after Gabriel Slonina’s impressive debut against Serbia. Accompanying him in defense is right back Dejuan Jones (came off the bench vs. Serbia), center back Walker Zimmerman (played the first half), center back Aaron Long (replaced Zimmerman in the second half) and left back John Tolkin, who did not playing and is earning his first cap.
In the midfield is Kellyn Acosta (captain) and Eryk Williamson, both of whom came off the bench against Serbia and formed a double-pivot partnership. Paxten Aaronson, younger brother of Brenden, is logging his first cap in what should be a central attacking role.
The front line includes Matthew Hoppe as a striker and Paul Arriola as a winger (both came off the bench) with Jesus Ferreira likely playing on the left flank. He did not play against Serbia.
Alejandro Zendejas, who had a promising debut on Wednesday, returned to Club America after that match, so he’s the only player not available tonight.
Here’s how Colombia will line up:
Cucho Hernandez (Columbus Crew), Chicho Arango (LAFC), Dylan Borrero (New England Revolution) and Juan David Mosquera (Portland Timber) are familiar names in MLS getting the starting nod for Los Cafeteros.