In a highly anticipated match, the US Men's National Team (USMNT) has unveiled their starting lineup for the Summer Showdown against Colombia. The game, presented by Marriott Bonvoy, is set to take place on June 8, 2024, at Commanders Field in Landover, Maryland.

Under the guidance of coach Gregg Berhalter, the USMNT will field a formidable starting XI consisting of some experienced players and a few fresh faces. The team will be led by Christian Pulisic, who will captain the squad for the 22nd time. Pulisic's leadership has proven vital in the past, with the team boasting an impressive 16-2-3 record when he wears the captain's armband.

The starting lineup comprises goalkeeper Matt Turner, defenders Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, and Joe Scally, midfielders Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, and Johnny Cardoso, and forwards Folarin Balogun, Tim Weah, and Pulisic himself. This lineup averages 25 years and 237 days, making it the ninth oldest lineup under Berhalter's tenure.

Berhalter has made three changes from the lineup that featured in the Concacaf Nations League Final against Mexico in March. Inserting Scally, Cardoso, and Balogun into the starting XI, the coach aims to provide fresh energy and tactical variations against a strong Colombian team.

The match against Colombia holds historical significance for the USMNT, as they have struggled in previous encounters, boasting a record of 3 wins, 13 losses, and 5 draws. Their last victory over Colombia came in a convincing 3-0 triumph back on March 9, 2005.

Notably, five of the starting XI players, namely Balogun, Cardoso, Reyna, Richards, and Turner, will be making their maiden appearances against South American opposition. This match marks an opportunity for them to prove their mettle on an international stage.

With a total of 53,575 tickets sold ahead of the game, the match is set to be one of the most attended USMNT matches in the D.C./Maryland/Virginia area. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as the fans rally behind the home team.

The USMNT has had a solid run under the guidance of coach Berhalter, with a record of 43 wins, 14 losses, and 12 draws in his 69 matches in charge. However, their encounters against South American opposition have been more challenging, with a record of 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 losses against teams from the region.

Refereeing the match will be Fernando Hernandez from Mexico, who has officiated two previous games for the USMNT. The team holds an unblemished record of two wins in matches refereed by Hernandez, including a 2-0 friendly win against Costa Rica and a 4-1 World Cup qualifying victory against Honduras.

The USMNT will be aiming to break their winless streak against Colombia and showcase their progress under Berhalter's leadership. The Summer Showdown promises to be an exciting clash between two talented teams, and fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the kickoff at 5:37 p.m. ET.