The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) faces a critical moment as they prepare for the 2024 Copa America, with a harsh 5-1 defeat to Colombia highlighting the need for a shift in mentality and strategy, reported by GOAL.

As the United States gets ready to host the 2024 Copa America, expectations were high. Gregg Berhalter's squad, featuring stars like Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna, was anticipated to make a strong impression on home soil. However, the recent thrashing by Colombia has raised serious concerns.

USMNT's trashing

In a friendly match, the USMNT suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Colombia. The game served as a sobering reminder of the challenges they face. Despite playing at home, the team struggled to keep up with their South American counterparts, exposing several weaknesses that need to be addressed urgently.

Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards was vocal about the lessons learned from the defeat. He emphasized the need for a change in mentality. “I think a few things will need to change, not just structurally but also I think mentality. When you play these types of teams, even if it’s a friendly, you can tell the spirit, the fight that they have. And so I think for me, the one thing that we really need to change is our mentality,” Richards stated.

While the loss was disappointing, Richards pointed out that it can serve as a valuable learning experience. “Some of the positives that we can take from the game is that we did play with one of the Copa favourites for 65, 70 minutes. We watched the tape back, I think almost all of their goals were goals that we gave to them rather than completely being broken down,” he noted.

The USMNT's performance against Colombia revealed structural flaws and a lack of fighting spirit. The team needs to address these issues if they hope to compete successfully in the Copa America. Richards' comments highlight the importance of both tactical adjustments and a stronger, more resilient mindset.

What’s next for the USMNT

With the Copa America fast approaching, the USMNT must quickly regroup and focus on their upcoming challenges. Their next test comes in the form of a friendly match against Brazil, a powerhouse in international soccer, on Wednesday. This match will be crucial for assessing the team's readiness and making necessary adjustments.

The USMNT's Copa America campaign kicks off on June 23 with a match against Bolivia. This tournament is a significant opportunity for the team to prove themselves on a continental stage. To do so, they must overcome the issues highlighted by the Colombia defeat and show that they can compete at the highest level.

One of the few bright spots in the match against Colombia was Tim Weah's goal, which provided a glimmer of hope when it reduced the deficit to 2-1. However, the team's subsequent collapse in the final stages of the game underscores the need for greater focus and resilience.

The USMNT’s heavy defeat to Colombia is a wake-up call that demands immediate attention. As they prepare to host the 2024 Copa America, Gregg Berhalter and his squad must address both structural and mental aspects of their game. The friendly against Brazil will be a critical test, and the team must use it to build confidence and refine their strategy. With the right adjustments, the USMNT can still aim to make a strong impact in the tournament, but the clock is ticking, and the challenges ahead are significant.