ARLINGTON, Texas — In the first of two pre-tests for the 2024 Copa América, the United States men’s national team wasted no time. He knew that with each scoreless minute that passed, the fans became agitated; he knew that with each toothless possession, Bolivian confidence would grow. So, in the third minute of the USMNT’s Copa América opener here at AT&T Stadium, Christian Pulisic, Captain America, took control.
He curled a beauty into the top corner and set an emphatic tone.
He anticipated and swept aside any American concerns.
Pulisic’s opening goal propelled the USMNT to a 2-0 victory over Bolivia on Sunday – and to what he hopes will be a prosperous tournament.
In many ways, the USMNT had beat Bolivia and simply did what he was told. The performance was more satisfying than scintillating, more pragmatic than thrilling or convincing. Sometimes it was boring, even boring.
But it was enough. After the first half’s momentum seemed to fade, Folarin Balogun doubled the lead and put Bolivia to bed.
After halftime, “USA” chants began to echo around JerryWorld, the 80,000-seat stadium of the Dallas Cowboys. The wave rolled counterclockwise, enlivening an atmosphere that many feared was bland.
The 400 level was indeed largely empty, but 47,873 fans filled the lower bowls of the colossal building. They nearly burst when Ricardo Pepi latched on to a multitude of chances in the second half; Somehow, none of his shots – some from close range, some well-struck – found the back of the net.
Although they didn’t score a goal in the second half, most of the fans seemed to enjoy the spectacle.
They will also appreciate that it is an appetizer of sorts; and that the tests will only get tougher from now on. Bolivia is undoubtedly the worst team in this Copa América. Panama, a fiery CONCACAF foe, is next on Thursday in Atlanta.
Next comes Uruguay in Kansas City, then a potential quarterfinal, probably against Colombia or Brazil. This is where this chapter in the history of the USMNT will be written – and perhaps Gregg Berhalter’s second cycle at the head of the team.
The United States entered this tournament at a potential inflection point in the Berhalter era. By mid-July, there could be signature wins and proof of concept; or it could be proof that pre-2022 progress has stalled and the coach needs to go.
Sunday, from that perspective, was all risk and no reward. It was a peril to be avoided rather than an opportunity to rise. A victory was the expectation, the demand. Anything less would have been a huge disappointment.
So it was a satisfied expectation. These are three points that the United States will take in Atlanta. And perhaps most importantly, as Berhalter said after the game, “it was never in doubt.”
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USMNT Final Thoughts
Well, that was…good. Fair. Uninspiring at times, somewhat dynamic at others, sufficient in the end.
It was a corollary to the USA-Jamaica game in March. That night, as on many others, the United States struggled to break through the low blocks. That night, Pulisic rendered that conversation moot in less than three minutes, and the U.S. sailed along without much of a challenge. Could the game have been different if Pulisic hadn’t curled a beauty into the top corner? Who knows.
Positive points to remember:
Pulisic is the guy. He is in shape. He likes the responsibility that the captain’s armband gives him. He is ready to take this team as far as he can.
Folarin Balogun scored his first goal in six games for the United States. Could this boost his confidence, which seemed to be in the basement for the first 40 minutes of the match? We will see.
Tyler Adams started and left unscathed.
The negative points ?
Ricardo Pepi did not score his goal which would have given confidence, despite numerous chances.
The United States has been somewhat careless and ragged when it comes to possession. A better team would have benefited from it.
But overall, this is a game we’ll forget about. The next two, three or more will define the USMNT Copa América.
The USMNT close to 3 points
After a rather calm second half, the United States seemed comfortable with a score of 2-0 until the final whistle. But not Ricardo Pepi, who took another shot from 5 meters and was repelled by Bolivian Guillermo Viscarra. Then denied again after the deviation!
86′ American replacement
Tim Weah replaces Brenden Aaronson.
79′ Pepi almost gets on the board
Ricardo Pepi takes a shot on target, but is denied.
Carmelo Algaranaz replaces Bruno Miranda for Bolivia.
65′ Replacement
The USMNT replaces Folarin Balogun with Ricardo Pepi and Gio Reyna with Johnny Cardoso.
Johnny replaces Gio
Berhalter closes shop
Concern from Tim Ream
Ream seems to be struggling with something, although it’s unclear exactly what.
Matt Turner just threw the ball out of bounds for Ream to catch. Ream crouched down. The athletic trainers never came to see him, so it looks like he’s going to continue. But we’ll see if that worry persists, and we’ll see if Ream lasts 90 minutes.
53′ Balogun is about to get his second
49′ Yellow card
Weston McKennie gets his first booking after a tough challenge.
Half-time substitution for the United States
Yunus Musah comes in for Tyler Adams.
Adams is surely under some sort of minutes limit. We don’t know (yet) if the predetermined limit was 45, or if it was more but Berhalter decided the game was under control.
46′ Replacement
Yunus Musah replaces Tyler Adams for the United States. On the Bolivian side, Miguel Terceros replaces Cesar Menacho.
HALF-TIME: United States 2-0 Bolivia
The USMNT went into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 lead after goals from Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.
