SANTA CLARA, Calif. — This is not the direction United States soccer is supposed to be traveling. More young Americans are playing the game. The nation’s major pro league is flourishing. The national team has the most renowned — and well-paid — coach in its history. And the U.S. men’s national team can’t seem to win a real game.
With a 2-0 loss to Colombia on Friday night at Levi’s Stadium, in the opening game of the Copa America Centenario tournament, the U.S. dropped to 2-4-1 in competitive games since a semifinal exit from last Summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup.