CHERRIES winger Luis Sinisterra came off the bench to great effect as Colombia extended their current unbeaten run to 22 matches on Saturday after defeating the United States 5-1 in friendly action at Commanders Field. 

Sinisterra scored once and assisted once as a substitute for the CONMEBOL visitors, helping Nestor Lorenzo’s squad earn an important victory in buildup to this summer’s Copa America tournament. 

Jhon Arias and Rafael Borre scored 13 minutes apart in the first half to give Colombia a 2-0 advantage on the road.

Arias’ near post finish after six minutes broke the deadlock before Borre’s overhead kick in the box would double the Colombians lead.

Tim Weah pulled one goal back for the Americans in the second half, rifling home Folarin Balogun’s through-ball pass. 

Sinisterra entered the match in the 71st minute for Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz and needed just six minutes to make an impact. After creating some room against Yunus Musah, Sinisterra cut back a pass into the U.S. box that Richard Rios slotted home. 

After Jorge Carrascal extended Colombia’s lead to 4-1, Sinisterra capped off the win in style with a back post tap-in. 

Sinisterra’s Cherries clubmate Tyler Adams was an unused substitute for the United States.

The goal contributions marked Sinisterra’s first international assist and his fourth goal in his 12th cap for Colombia. 

The 24-year-old originally moved to Bournemouth on loan last summer from Leeds United and proceeded to tally four goals and three assists for Andoni Iraola’s team.

Speaking about Sinisterra’s performance, Colombian head coach Lorenzo shared: “I am happy for him, he is becoming an important player for us.

“He came back from an injury and I thought did very well, it was a nice weapon to have off the bench and I hope he can help us as more than just that too.” 

Colombia will next face Bolivia on June 15 in its final pre-Copa America friendly, whilst the United States ramp up their preparations with a friendly against Brazil on June 13.