Recap: U.S. MNT opens Copa America Centenario with 2-0 loss to Colombia

The United States Men's National Team opened its Copa America Centenario campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Colombia on Friday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Sporting Kansas City winger Graham Zusi entered the match in the 86th minute, making his 36th international appearance, while his club teammate Matt Besler was an unused substitute for head coach Jurgen Klinsmann's side.

Colombia drew first blood after just eight minutes when Christian Zapata lost his marker and volleyed Edwin Cardona's corner kick past Brad Guzan for his first international goal. James Rodriguez doubled Los Cafeteros' lead in the 42nd minute, burying a penalty kick after DeAndre Yedlin was whistled for a handball inside the box.

Clint Dempsey, seeking his 50th career goal in U.S. colors, almost halved the Americans' deficit twice near the hour mark. Dempsey's header following a Michael Bradley corner kick was cleared off the goal line in the 60th minute, then his wonderfully struck free kick was palmed away by outstretched goalkeeper David Ospina four minutes later.

Friday's result saw Colombia improve to 11-3-4 all-time against the United States, including 3-0-0 in Copa America after beating the Yanks in the 1995 and 2007 editions of the tournament.

The U.S. will look to bounce back in its second group stage match Tuesday, facing fellow CONCACAF rivals Costa Rica at Soldier Field in Chicago. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. CT on FS1, UniMas and Univision Deportes Network. That same evening, Colombia will meet Paraguay at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, to round out the FS1 doubleheader.

• Daily Special: Make No Other Pub your home for Copa America

No Other Pub in the Kansas City Power & Light District will hold watch parties for every Copa America Centenario match this month, offering fans a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of any beer pitcher. Saturday's tripleheader will see Sporting KC midfielder Soni Mustivar and Haiti make their Copa America debut against Peru, while Costa Rica plays Paraguay and Brazil faces Ecuador. Visit SportingKC.com/copa for the full Copa America Centenario schedule.

COPA AMERICA CENTENARIO GROUP A SCHEDULE