U.S. preparing to face 'nasty' Colombia

The U.S. national team expects a physical, sometimes nasty battle with Colombia in Friday’s Copa America opener, writes Goal USA’s Ives Galarcep.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — When most soccer fans think of the Colombian national team, they think of the high-flying attack, James Rodriguez's thousand-watt smile and the salsa-dancing goal celebrations of a fun-loving side.

What often gets overlooked, however, is the edge the Cafeteros play with, a physical side that counterbalances their flash and skill. Some would call it rough play, and some might even go a bit further.

"They're a little dirty," U.S. national team midfielder Alejandro Bedoya told Goal USA. "We just have to match their intensity and be…