By Wendy Pintor
The U.S. men's national soccer team opened its Copa America campaign with a pleasant 2-0 win over Bolivia in its Copa America opener at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Both of the U.S. goals came in the first half. Christian Pulisic opened up the score with a banger of a goal less than three minutes into the game. The USMNT was rewarded for a assertive first half with a second goal right before halftime, this one from Folarin Balogun who scored the fourth goal of his international career to put the USMNT ahead 2-0 in the 44th minute. It was Balogun’s first goal of 2024 in his 13th appearance for the U.S.
The USMNT thoroughly dominated an overmatched Bolivian side. The U.S. had 20 shots to Bolivia's six, and put eight of those shots on target in what could have been a more lopsided score line. The USMNT also owned a 61% to 39% possession advantage in a result the team will be satisfied with, but will know it needs to improve against stiffer competition.
Matt Turner made three saves to his 25th career shutout, moving him past Brad Friedel into sole possession of fourth all-time among USMNT goalkeepers. Turner also earned his 32nd cap in official competition, tying him with Friedel for fourth. Today’s Starting XI had an average age of 25 years, 339 days. It was the second-oldest lineup deployed by Gregg Berhalter in a tournament group-stage match behind the XI that faced Haiti in the opening match of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup (25 years, 360 days). The Starting XI averaged 37.3 caps overall and 22 in official competition.
The USMNT is obsessed on building an abundance of momentum for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Getting a victory against Bolivia was vital to the USMNT's chances in Copa America 2024. The U.S. is joined in Group C by Panama and CONMEBOL powerhouse Uruguay, which currently is sitting second in CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifying. The U.S. faces Panama on Thursday and then will close out group play against Uruguay on Monday, July 1.
Stats Summary: USA / BOL
Shots: 20 / 6
Shots on Goal: 8 / 3
Saves: 3 / 6
Corner Kicks: 7 / 1
Fouls: 8 / 17
Offside: 1 / 1
Misconduct Summary:
BOL – Leonel Justiniano (Caution) 27th minute
BOL - Gabriel Villamíl (Caution) 28
BOL - Luis Haquín (Caution) 31
USA – Weston McKennie (Caution) 49
BOL - Jesús Sagredo (Caution) 90+2
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