The United States kicks off the Copa America Centenario tonight, playing their toughest group stage match first against Colombia. Jurgen Klinsmann's USMNT has plenty to prove, having played underwhelming soccer since the 2014 World Cup; just like the run-up to that World Cup, however, Klinsmann finally seems to have settled on a more sensible lineup than what he has picked previously. Let's see if that holds.
The focus will start with Klinsmann's choices in the midfield, and whether Michael Bradley or Kyle Beckerman will be the deepest midfielder. Dropping Bradley into that role allows either Alejandro Bedoya or Darlington Nagbe to start, which gets more creative talent onto the field.
The back line has seen plenty of odd configurations over the past few weeks (and past few years), but there is one group that makes the most sense: DeAndre Yedlin, Geoff Cameron, John Brooks, and Fabian Johnson.
D.C. United's Steve Birnbaum has a chance to start tonight, with Klinsmann favoring him above other center backs with a longer tenure with the team. If Geoff Cameron is fully healthy, Birnbaum is likely on the bench, but he will be the first name called if something is wrong with Cameron or Brooks.
It is finally here. Games that matter. Here we go.
Location: Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, California)
Kick-off time: 9:30 pm Eastern
Available TV: Fox Sports 1 (English), Univision, Univision Deportes (Spanish)
Available streaming: Fox Soccer 2 GO, Fox Sports GO (English), Univision Deportes (Spanish)
For listings in other countries, check out LiveSoccerTV.com.
The gamethread for tonight's game will be posted one hour before kickoff.