James Rodríguez played his first game as a starter: this is how the Colombian did
The return of James Rodríguez to the starting lineup of Minnesota United ended up being one of the biggest surprises of the day in United States soccer. After several days of uncertainty due to the delicate dehydration he suffered during his recent stint with the Colombian National Team —a situation that even forced him to remain hospitalized for three days—, the Cúcuta midfielder reappeared from the start and added his first minutes as a starter with his new club.
TL;DR
- James Rodríguez started his first match for Minnesota United in the US Open Cup.
- He had been hospitalized for dehydration after his time with the Colombian National Team.
- The game against Sacramento Republic ended 0-0 after extra time.
- Minnesota United won the penalty shootout 9-8 to advance.
- Rodríguez played 66 minutes, showing good passing accuracy and contributing to the attack.
- His substitution was likely for load management as he recovers.