The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) started their Copa América 2024 journey with a 2-0 victory against Bolivia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun scored in the first half to give the USMNT an early lead. After tonight’s match, the U.S. improved to 6-0-0 at AT&T Stadium.
Christian Pulisic got the United States off to a solid start with his early goal. The left winger cut inside, ran to the top of the 18, and sent a finesse shot to the far post. The keeper got a light touch on it but it still sailed into the back of the net.
The early goal from the U.S. was the only real action in the first 40 minutes. As time went on, the physicality grew in intensity, with fouls and cards coming left and right. Bolivia was frustrating the USMNT with a four-man high press and a series of hard fouls. But just before halftime, Folarin Balogun increased the lead to two for the U.S. The American striker found space to his left and sent a low grounded shot in front of goal and crept into the far corner.
The U.S. took 20 shots and eight of them landed on target. Bolivia’s goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra made six saves on the night and was a key component in keeping the match competitive. This wasn’t the challenge that critics were hoping for so don’t get too excited too soon.
The USMNT should’ve beaten Bolivia and honestly, they should’ve scored far more goals. Their first real test of the tournament will be their clash with Conacacaf-foe Panama on Thursday, June 27 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Bolivia will have a tough road ahead after losing tonight’s match. Uruguay awaits them later that evening on the 27th at MetLife Stadium.
-Jon Jones