The United States began their run through the Copa America gauntlet burdened with heavy expectations of early group stage dominance – knowing that they’d need victory in their first two games to secure any hope of winning Group C.
This first match was one where opponents Bolivia had little to give in terms of quality and the Americans needed to take three points and more in order to bolster their spirits further and better their chances at taking the top spot in the group.
Coach Gregg Berhalter’s men did just that – finding the net early thanks to a blast from Christian Pulisic and a Folarin Balogun precision shot as the USMNT claimed a victory over La Verde that should set them up for future success in this tournament.
While the three points are a good sign, a victory of just 2-0 may leave some on the team feeling like there may have been some opportunities missed. The Americans attacked often, but only found the back of the net twice against the weakest team at the Copa America, according to the FIFA rankings.
But three points is what was expected of the United States and three points is what they got. The USMNT played some of its most complete attacking football in a while against an opponent that could not defend against it. At a time where they needed a momentum boost, the Americans delivered and will try to ride this wave to greater success in the matches to come.
Christian Pulisic was at his brilliant best as the USA brushed aside Bolivia on Sunday night
USMNT captain Pulisic (10) opened the scoring in a comfortable opening Copa America win
Dallas has been treated to plenty of American soccer in recent years – including the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals and finals back in March.
Maybe that’s the reason why so few turned out to watch FIFA’s 11th best team battle a Bolivia side ranked 84th in the world: only 47,873 made the trek to a baking Arlington, Texas to take comfort in the shade and air conditioning of AT&T Stadium.
Those fans began to get their money’s worth within seconds of kickoff, as the Americans jumped on the front foot – whipping in a pair of crosses before half a minute had even elapsed.
The first goal of the game came just three minutes in. A short pass off the corner played by Christian Pulisic was returned to him and the American captain got the green light to hit a curled chance from atop his own box. His shot went off the crossbar and down into the net to give the USMNT the lead. The USMNT winger raced over to his sideline, celebrating with Berhalter and pointing to fans in the crowd.
Even when the Americans didn’t score, the attack at the beginning of the first half was free flowing. Fans rose to their feet in anticipation as the trio of Pulisic, Balogun and Timothy Weah linked up for a number of passes before Weah struck a shot that was parried by goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra. Five minutes later, Antonee ‘Jedi’ Robinson found Balogun again – but the Monaco striker’s shot was saved for a corner.
Early on, the midfield pressure from Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, and surprise starter Tyler Adams was relentless upon the trio of Bolivians in the same position – with the Americans winning their battles and generally preventing any buildup from La Verde.
Folarin Balogun added USA’s second on the night as they got up and running on home soil
Balogun scored his first goal since a friendly outing against Ghana in October of 2023
But it was Pulisic who stole the show with an inspired display to get the hosts off the mark
The crowd roared its disapproval at what can only be called CONMEBOL antics when Lionel Justiniano put in an unnecessarily hard challenge on Reyna. The USMNT converged on a group of Bolivian players and a brief fracas ensued – with a yellow card for Justiniano being produced. Two minutes later, Reyna went down again and another card was given – this time to Bolivia captain Luis Haquin.
Eventually, play from the Americans became frazzled – disconnected as the half went on. There seemed to be an air of not desperation, but expectation that they’d find a second goal. Frustration and miscommunication led to turnovers. They needed a goal, and badly.
It came for the US on the stroke of halftime. Pulisic pushed up the middle then found Balogun to his left side. Balogun slotted it home with a sublime shot from his left foot. It was a key goal not only for this match, but for himself as well – as the English convert tries to further establish himself as the top option at striker for Berhalter’s squad.
The Americans tried adding further to their tally in the 50th minute as a low cross from Weah just missed the foot of Balogun and trickled over the end line. Luck wasn’t on Balogun’s side a second time as a goal he thought he scored in the 53rd minute was called for offside.
It was in this second half that Bolivia produced its most threatening chances, but none that truly troubled goalkeeper Matt Turner. He didn’t need to put forth the same effort he did in that 1-1 draw against Brazil, because La Verde never really proved themselves dangerous in the buildup.
Gregg Berhalter will be delighted with his side’s opening win despite the fact it could have been even more comfortable
The Americans produced their most potent offense in this second half – yet couldn’t convert any chances. Pulisic tried doubling his luck in the 60th minute but an excellent save from Viscarra denied the American captain. Chants of ‘U-S-A, U-S-A’ broke out as fans sat on the edge, begging for another goal.
Balogun and Reyna made their way off for Ricardo Pepi and Johnny Cardoso respectively. Pepi was possibly the most snake-bitten player of the match – despite only playing 25 minutes. When the US needed a third goal, the Texan’s first shot rolled wide. He then had three straight shots saved by Viscarra as he screamed at the sky in frustration.
The final whistle blew with the United States having finished the job, but not to the degree they were expected. Their next test comes against Panama in Atlanta.