USA v Bolivia Match Recap

Lukas Bernard
OleMundo Correspondence

An excitement and energy resonated as the USMNT opened their tournament campaign at Copa America 2024. Played on one of the grandest stages of stadiums, the U.S. team looked to own the pitch at Dallas Cowboy’s AT&T Stadium, as this year’s tournament is being hosted across the United States. After two recent matches displayed the highs and lows of our (USMNT) abilities, the nerves still buzzed going into a favored game against lower ranked Bolivia.

As soccer continues to explode in popularity throughout American culture, an entire nation waited in anticipation as the U.S. men’s team took stage. I selfishly found myself praying for a strong game by the Americans to simply solidify any new soccer fans who may be watching for a first time.

As the match began I immediately found comfort in our structured play, including the starting return of midfielder Tyler Adams. The US looked hungry and immediately attacked the Bolivian defense creating multiple chances in the first opening moments. This early onslaught from the Americans did allow for a few early opportunities for the Bolivians via counterattacks.

Cristian Pulisic Scores Early

In the 3rd minute, the US was awarded a corner kick which seemed to be a pre-planned set piece, with Timothy Weah positioned oddly out of play off the baseline. Cristian Pulisic initiated the corner kick, as a quick play of the ball left a 2v1 placing Pulisic in space with the ball just wide of the goal. The American captain had no hesitancy in curling the ball into the top corner of the net, after a sight touch from the goalie and glance off the underside of the crossbar. An absolutely stunner of a goal for the Americans, who erupted as the building excitement found its tipping point. Pulisic wore the nation’s pride on his chest as he celebrated by the corner flag draped in his teammates. Bolivian Goalkeeper Viscarra may have been able to push the ball truly off the crossbar with slightly better form and positioning.

The U.S. looked very persistent as their eye for goal drove the team forward. High hopes surrounded starting Striker Folarian Balagun, whose early touches in the match led to some gained excitement. Although after the game settled in, it was hard to ignore that Balogun looked a step behind the team chemistry that built his way. As a very strong midfield of Geo Reyna, weston McKinney and Tyler Adams looked to build confidence and poise, each attack seemed to be missing a finishing touch.

After the early lead, the U.S. seemed to lose some gusto as the Bolivian midfield embraced a very physical style of play and earned a slew of yellow cards. After seemingly taking the wind out of the game, a late 1st-half pressure began to grow as halftime approached. A 1 goal lead leaves no sense of comfort in the game of soccer.

Folarian Balagun Scores Just Before Second Half

As the halftime whistle approached, the U.S. midfield found a higher level of performance with players cycling through the midfield. A strong connection between Antony Robinson and Christian Pulisic led to consecutive attacks. Another dynamic buildup found Balogun in space with a single defender, leading to a left footed strike on target. Slotting between the defenders legs, pushed past the outstretched goalie and tucked into the side netting, Balogun scored a second goal and added to his early career count. Again, the Bolivian goalie was not in his best positioning, inviting the far-post effort. What a massive goal going into halftime for the Americans ..and in hand, a surge of confidence for the young American striker.

Gregg Berhalter Halftime Adjustments

U.S. coach Greg Berhalter made formation changes at the break, as well as throughout the second half, including strong additions from the bench such as Latoundji Musah and Brendan Aaronson. Ricardo Pepi, another young and promising striker, subbed in and immediately got a chance directly in front of goal. A few more strong chances showed Pepi’s ability to time his run in alignment with his teammates, a feat that Balugun came up short of.

Pulisic continued to push a high paced attack, and looked like the best player on the field throughout. The level of threat that Pulisic brought with each touch, showcased a new sense of danger in the Americans attacking third.

Wing Defender Antony Robinson pushed forward time after time, looking like a seasoned game changer. After being voted Fulham F.C. Player of the Year in 2023 within the English Premier league, Robinson looked to showcase his own world-class level of play alongside Pulisic.

Goalkeeper Matt Turner had a light work-load as the American defense held strong against a decent effort from the Bolivian attack. Turner’s biggest threat seemed to come in the opening minutes of the match, leaving the rest of the game to solidify his clean sheet.

Final: USA 2 – Bolivia 0

Although there were still big chances and exciting moments, the US seemed fairly content to ride the 2-0 lead throughout the 2nd half. The shutout win was clearly a great start for the Americans who have become known for slow starts . Earning 3 points towards their group standings, this win made the history books as the USMNT had never won their opening match of any Copa America tournament. Bolivia did not provide the most testing challenge, although they made it clear that a level of passion and physicality will come from most South and Central American nations. The lack of second half goals while dominating possession did leave a few nerves buzzing, concerning the future matchup against a much stronger Uruguay.

A win is a win and we will take it. The real question is whether Mckinney, Weah, Adams and our strikers are ready to rise to the level of teammates Pulisic and Robinson. A feat that will be required in order to make a run at the title. Team Captain Pulisic will need to create a rising tide that lifts all ships around him as the Americans approach their two final group games in the following 7 days.

USA faces Panama in their second group match on Thursday, June 27th in Atlanta Georgia.