James Rodriguez heads to World Cup with Colombia after Minnesota United defeat

James Rodriguez and Minnesota United were defeated in MLS play.
James Rodriguez and Minnesota United were defeated in MLS play.ELLEN SCHMIDT / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

James Rodriguez got a disappointing send-off to World Cup training with Colombia as his Minnesota United fell 1-0 to Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer on Wednesday.

Minnesota confirmed before the contest that the midfielder would be released to join Colombia with two MLS matches remaining before the league pauses for the World Cup.

"The club is proud to support James as he represents his country on the world's biggest stage and wishes him success during camp and throughout the tournament," Minnesota said in a statement.

Rodriguez joined Minnesota as a free agent in February on a contract slated to expire during the World Cup in June.

United retained an option to extend it until the end of the year, although all indications are that they will not exercise it and he has played his last match for them.

In six MLS matches, with two starts that included Wednesday's game, he notched two assists and no goals.

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