USA Cruises Past Bolivia in Copa América Opener: Pulisic and Balogun Lead the Way
The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) kicked off their 2024 Copa América campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Bolivia on Sunday evening at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The win sets the tone for their title aspirations in front of a raucous home crowd.
Pulisic Sets the Tone with Early Goal
Captain America himself, Christian Pulisic, wasted no time silencing any doubters. Just over two minutes into the match, Pulisic unleashed a curling shot from outside the area that beat Bolivian goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra. This well-taken strike marked his 30th international goal, solidifying his place alongside Brian McBride as the fifth-highest scorer in USMNT history. The early goal gave the Americans a significant advantage and sent a signal of intent to the Bolivians.
Balogun Doubles the Lead Before Halftime
The USA dominated possession throughout the first half, patiently building attacks and creating multiple scoring opportunities. Their dominance paid off in the 44th minute when Folarin Balogun put the game out of reach for Bolivia. Balogun’s well-placed finish came after a well-orchestrated attack that showcased the team’s offensive capabilities.
Reyna’s Injury and Controversy
The first half wasn’t without its concerns. Gio Reyna, a key attacking player for the USA, went down after a hard tackle by Bolivia’s Leonel Justiniano. Tensions flared momentarily as teammates rushed to defend Reyna, who eventually returned to the game. However, a moment of frustration later saw Reyna receive a second yellow card for a rough tackle, forcing him to miss the next group stage match.
Defensive Resilience Ensures Clean Sheet
The USMNT backline, marshaled by the experienced duo of Walker Zimmerman and Tim Ream, held firm throughout the game. Bolivia rarely threatened the American goal, with Matt Turner registering a comfortable clean sheet. The defensive solidity provides a strong foundation for the USA’s journey in the tournament.
This victory marks a positive start for the USMNT’s Copa América campaign. While they’ll need to adjust for Reyna’s absence in their next fixture against Panama, the overall performance demonstrates the team’s potential. With their attacking prowess and solid defense on display, the USA remains a strong contender for the coveted Copa América title.
Additional Notes:
- This win marks the third straight victory for the USMNT against Bolivia.
- Tim Ream became the oldest outfield player to appear for the USA in Copa América at 36 years and 261 days old.
