USMNT 2-0 Bolivia: summary, score, goals, highlights Copa América
As it happened: USMNT - Bolivia
USMNT breeze past Bolivia in Copa America opener
Expectations were high for the US ahead of their first group stage fixture against Bolivia and Gregg Berhalter's side delivered at AT&T Stadium. Christian Pulisic needed less than three minutes to fire his side ahead, scoring this beauty from the edge of the penalty box.
The US dropped off the pace a bit as the game continued but Folarin Balogun found the crucial second goal in the final minutes of the first half, a clinical finish from the edge of the box.
In the second half USMNT missed countless chances to extent their lead, many of which fell to Ricardo Pepi, but they could not beat Viscarra. All things considered, a promising start for the US but with much tougher tests to come.
Big crowd for USMNT taking on Bolivia
Much has been said about the, frankly ridiculous, pricing for this summer's Copa America. But despite the lofty prices close to 50,000 fans turned out to watch the group stage game between USMNT and Bolivia.
A good atmosphere from the off with a stunning opening goal from Christian Pulisic, it bodes well for the rest of the tournament.
Opening night win for USMNT
"All around a pretty dominant performance," Christian Pulisic says in the postgame interview. And he has a point.
Peeep peeeeep peeeeeeeeeeep
And that's that at AT&T Stadium. A comprehensive win for USMNT, who should have extended their lead but gave Bolivia precious few opportunities.
A good start for Gregg Berhalter's men!
It sounds like there's a bit of impatience from the home crowd as USMNT run down the clock in the final stages. Job done here, US are just waiting for the final whistle now.
Jesus Sagredo
Yep, it's a booking. Even the player himself didn't argue with that one.
Is there time for one last USMNT chance?
Pepi runs the channels in search of one last opening and is absolutely wiped out by Jesus Sagredo. That's surely a booking!
We'll have four minutes of added time at AT&T Stadium.
Incredible miss from Ricardo Pepi!
Robinson strides forward again on the left and sends in a teasing low cross. Pepi's there, four yards from goal, perfectly placed to tap the ball home.
Incredibly, he hits Viscarra with his first attempt and can't convert the rebound. How's he not scored!?
Pulisic's delivery is headed clear but Yunus Musah leaps onto the loose ball and motors down the right flank. He fires in a dangerous cross but there's no one to connect in the middle for USMNT.
Brilliant driving run from Antonee Robinson, bringing his team 50 yards up the field and winning a free kick on the left, on the edge of the box.
Dangerous spot for Pulisic to whip in a cross here.
Right on cue, Tim Weah is withdrawn for USMNT.
He's replaced by Brenden Aaronson.
We've not really seen a huge amount from Tim Weah today, which may be a bit of a disappointment for Berhalter. Weah's been one of the US' most consistent performer over the past 12 months.
Bolivia have notably upped the tempo in the past five minutes, looking to rally a late charge. USMNT dealing with it well so far, drawing the press and looking to play vertically to spark a counter attack.
So close for Ricardo Pepi
The pace of Pulisic fashions a brilliant opening as he latches onto a long ball forward. The captain rolls the ball to Pepi in the box but his strike is palmed clear by Viscarra.
Another USMNT change. McKennie off, Luca de la Torre will take his place in midfield.
Weah fires over from 18 yards
More good work on the left flank from USMNT and the ball is pulled back to the edge of the box. Weah darts inside and pounces on the loose ball but fires well over the bar.
Yep, it's Fernandez coming off for Bolivia. Ramiro Vaca comes on in his place.
Roberto Fernandez
The Bolivian midfielder is down, he'll have to be replaced here.
You get the sense that USMNT are are starting to find a little more space as we approach the final stages. Bolivia are being forced to push higher up the field and that's giving space for the US on the counter.
More good work from Pepi, this time it's a clever run in behind the Bolivian backline.
He goes for a little dink over Viscarra but his attempt is slapped wide by the goalkeeper.
Another cross from the marauding USMNT fullbacks.
This time it's Scally, clipping ball to Pulisic at the back post. The captain tries to volley home from close range but it bounces over the crossbar.
Big chance for Pepi!
Nearly a goal with his first touch!
Brilliant whipped cross from Robinson, Pepi can't quite pass the ball into the back of the net.
Double change for USMNT.
Reyna and Balogun are off. Pepi and Cardoso come on.
Another sharp turn from Reyna, another Bolivia foul.
He's looked good today, taking on plenty of responsibility.
Pulisic's free kick is a good one but Bolivia head it clear.
They have been good in the air in the first hour, winning the majority of aerial balls in their own box. They're clearly pretty limited when the ball's on the ground, however.
Strong run from Joe Scally, winning a free kick for his team on the right of the box. It's around 40 yards from goal, a decent crossing position for Pulisic.
Pulisic is clearly feeling himself now.
He charges through the Bolivia midfield and makes space for a shot from the edge of the box. The US captain draws a good save form Viscarra.
Fernandez pinches the ball off McKennie as he tries to bring the ball up the field but can't capitalise, allowing the US defence to get back and recover.
Brilliant first touch from Pulisic, bringing his team up the field on the left. He tries a neat bit of interplay with Balogun in the box but can't quite reach the return.
Good idea from Pulisic, though.
Poor pass from Ream, giving it away on the edge of his own box. Bolivia try to capitalise but they are faced back to the halfway line and forced to go long.
Tim Ream
The veteran defender is down after taking a whack to the face.
He needs a moment, but he'll be fine to continue.
VAR - No goal
Nope, as suspected the goal will not stand. Weah had strayed offside.
Brilliant play from Weston McKennie in the build-up to create the chance.
GOOOOA- maybe not
USMNT have the ball in the back of the net but the flag is up.
Weah got in behind and squared the ball for Balogun in the middle but it looks like it won't count.
VAR will have a look.
Matt Turner is called into action to stop a long-range shot from Fernandez. Not too challenging for the USMNT No. 1.
Weston McKennie
The USMNT midfielder is booked for a mistimed challenge in the middle of the field. A little harsh, but an unnecessary tackle from McKennie.
Sensational run from Pulisic
A twisting, turning dribble takes Pulisic from the halfway line to the edge of the box. He tries a shot from distance, but it's blocked by a Bolivian defender.
Ok then, back to the action. USMNT have made some promising runs forward, particularly with Antonee Robinson bursting forward on the left flank.
Nothing comes of it though.
And the Bolivia changes.
Menacho and Miranda come off. Cuellar and Terceros come on.
Tyler Adams is off for USMNT. He's replaced by Yunus Musah.
We're assured that was a planned change. Adams has just come back from injury.
And we're back!
USMNT get the second half underway...
Halftime substitutions
There's changes for both teams at the break, we'll bring you those details shortly.
Captain America continues incredible USMNT record
We're just 45 minutes in to USMNT's Copa America journey and Christian Pulisic already has a goal and an assist to his name. Impressive start for Pulisic, who breaks another national team record.
Watch: Folarin Balogun doubles USMNT lead
The US were not entirely convincing in the first half against Bolivia but a late goal from Folarin Balogun has given Gregg Berhalter's team a two-goal lead at the break.
USMNT take a two-goal lead into the break
Not bad, not bad at all.
They toiled a little at times but the United States have a 2-0 lead over Bolivia at the break.
Bizarre throw-in from Bolivia on their right flank, throwing it straight out of play.
Wait, referee rules that it never actually entered the field of play. They retake, with greater success this time around.
We'll have two minutes of added time. Can USMNT really make it safe before the break?
That's Balogun's first goal of 2024 for USMNT, coming in his fifth appearance.
That'll be a relief for the striker, and for head coach Gregg Berhalter who decided to keep faith in Balogun.
GOOOOOAAAAAL! Folarin Balogun
There it is!
Powerful run forward Pulisic, who finds Balogun on the left of the box. The Monaco forward makes some space on his left foot and arrows the ball unerringly past Viscarra.
Brilliant strike from the No. 9!
Moment of magic from Pulisic to skip inside past Saucedo and find Robinson charging forward on the overlap. The fullback tries to make space for a shot but it's blocked by a recovering defender.
Bolivia frustrate USMNT again.
After a raucous start the atmosphere at AT&T Stadium has dipped. The US are the dominant force tonight and it's on them to up the tempo, to push the pace of the game and get supporters on their feet.
Bolivia have managed to slow the pace in the last 20 minutes or so.
Sweeping move forward from USMNT, orchestrated by Weston McKennie in the midfield. The ball is switched back to Reyna on the left flank but it's a poor cross, straight into the arms of Viscarra.
Close for USMNT
Brilliant play from Timothy Weah on the right flank to make space for a cross but he can't quite find Balogun in the middle. The Monaco man is coming up against a physical Bolivia backline and they just out-muscled him there.
Clever pass from Tyler Adams to break the Bolivian press and get USMNT motoring forward. His calmness on the ball has been an important factor so far.
Good strength from Gio Reyna to hold off a Bolivia challenge and win his team a throw-in.
This is a good test of Reyna's mentality and the youngster has performed admirably so far.
Christian Pulisic rallies the troops
The USMNT captain has been in cheerleading mode for his team tonight taking every possible opportunity to rouse the support and make the most of the huge home advantage that the United States have this summer.
Luis Haquin
And just like that, the Bolivia captain goes into the book for another 'full-blooded' tackle on Reyna. A deserved booking.
Although they're behind, Bolivia will be fairly happy with how the first half has gone.
They've been physical, they've stemmed the USMNT advance and they're only behind to a stunner from Pulisic.
Leonel Justiniano
The midfielder is booked for that clumsy challenge on Reyna.
The USMNT starlet is fine to continue.
It's kicking off!
Rash challenge from Leonel Justiniano on Gio Reyna, leaving the youngster on the turf.
USMNT wade in to protect Reyna, leading to bit of a ruckus in the midfield.
Brilliant forward run from McKennie to latch onto a through-ball from Robinson. The Juventus midfielder wins a corner kick for his team but seems to bang into the advertising hoarding.
Looks like he'll be fine.
Diego Medina (Bolivia)
The fullback goes down after an aerial collision with Pulisic. He should be fine to continue.
Weston McKennie tries to clip a pass out to Antonee Robinson on the left flank but overhits it, drawing groans from the crowd.
Despite some impressive attacking touches, the US have dropped the tempo a little in the last few minutes. Bolivia have been given too much time on the ball and Berhalter's side are not really pressing home their early advantage.
Watch: Christian Pulisic strike puts USMNT ahead
What a way to kick-start a tournament. Christian Pulisic needed just two minutes to fire USMNT ahead, doing so with this stunning strike from the edge of the penalty box.
Dangerous ball in from Pulsic but it evades everyone.
Balogun picks up the loose ball at the back post and tries an audacious 'rabona' cross but miscues it out for a goal kick.
Powerful run forward from Weston McKennie wins USMNT a corner kick.
Pulisic trots over to take it, rousing the crowd on his way across.
Despite some doubts about his fitness, Tyler Adams has looked full of energy so far. He's playing as a free eight, picking up the ball deep and driving forward.
Moment of concern after Jose Sagredo goes down under a challenge in midfield, but he's quickly back to his feet.
Good recovery work from Chris Richards to slide in and disrupt a promising Bolivia counter-attack. You sense that his recovery pace will be key for USMNT if they are to progress deep in this tournament .
First touches of the ball for Bolivia, now. They swing the ball into the middle and the US clear the cross, only for Gabriel Villamil to meet the ball on the edge of the box.
He takes aim but fires well over the crossbar.
Big chance for Weah!
That spell of calm didn't last long!
USMNT broke with Pulisic and Weah, sending the latter through on the right of the box. He tries to find Balogun in the middle but the ball bounced back to Weah and his narrow-angled effort is saved.
With that early goal in the bag the US take a few moments to knock the ball around the defence, giving everyone a touch of the ball.
Phew...
What a start to an international tournament from USMNT. Berhalter could not have dreamt of a better opening. US looking composed, confident and, most importantly, ahead!
GOOOOOAAAAAAL! Christian Pulisic
The stadium erupts as Captain America fires into the top corner from 25 yards out, a stunning start for USMNT.
Christian Pulisic is a man on fire!
That early chance has got the crowd going from the off.
The chance actually came from a dragged volley from Scally, falling at the feet of Balogun.
Chance for Balogun!
Nearly the perfect start for USMNT.
High intensity from the off, a loose ball dropping for Balogun in the box but he couldn't quite get his effort away in time.
he should have scored!
And we're off!
USMNT get their campaign underway in Arlington. Away we go...
And here's how Bolivia line up
The underdogs for today, Bolivia, will be looking to pick up a rare Copa America victory away from home. Bruno Miranda gets the nod for Bolivia up front, tasked with creating a bit of chaos in the USMNT backline.
USMNT starting XI to face Bolivia
With kickoff now just minutes away, let's take another look at the United States' team. The big news; Gregg Berhalter keeps faith with Folarin Balogun as the central striker.
'The Star-Spangled Banner' makes tournament debut
For the first time in this tournament, the USMNT players stand to attention with hands on their hearts for the American national anthem.
Head coach Gregg Berhalter and his staff stand, arms linked, on the touchline.
The players are out!
The players of Bolivia and the United States are out on the field in Arlington, Texas for the first game of Group C in the 2024 Copa America.
Now time for the anthems. First up, a stirring rendition of the Bolivian anthem with full-throated accompaniment from the players. Top stuff.
Final preparations ahead of USMNT - Bolivia
The wait is nearly over! The United States will kick off their Copa America campaign in just a few minutes. Gregg Berhalter has a full squad at his disposal and USMNT will be expected to make light work of this weak Bolivia side.
Let's see what unfolds over the next two hours...
USMNT begin their Copa América journey with their group stage opener against Bolivia at AT&T Stadium, Texas. Currently second-from-bottom in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings, Bolivia are one of the weaker teams in the tournament. However the US have struggled to build momentum in recent months and Berhalter is yet to settle on a first-choice team.
If they can click this summer, they could be on for a historic Copa America performance. Here's a look at their history in the competition...
Christian Pulisic leads USMNT into Copa America
USMNT's Captain America, Christian Pulisic, comes into this tournament off the back of a stellar season with Italian giants AC Milan. The US captain is playing the best soccer of his life and will be key to any success this summer for Gregg Berhalter's side.
"I think we had to really look at ourselves and hold ourselves to a higher standard," Pulisic admitted recently. "You can't go out and and wait and see what's going to happen. We needed to go out and take it to them right away and show that we're here to play and, whatever happens, we have to respond.
Players are out at AT&T Stadium!
We're little over half an hour from kickoff in Arlington, where the United States will begin their Copa America journey against Bolivia.
La Verde have one of the worst recent record of all the CONMEBOL sides and they traditionally struggle away from their home stadium in La Paz. The high altitude at which they play their home games gives them a real physical advantage over their opponents but they struggle to translate that into road performances.
USMNT need to up their levels for Copa America
"I think a lot of times, especially playing in CONCACAF games, we can kind of get away with just being individuals... And I think you saw it in the Colombia game. That's why we got killed: we were just playing like it was a CONCACAF game.
"I think that was kind of a warning for us, kind of an eye opener that if we want to be able to beat big teams, if we want to be able to compete with big teams, we can't just go play however you want to play."
And here's the Bolivia starting XI...
Bolivia team news: Viscarra, Haquin, Jose Sagredo, Jesus Sagredo, Justiniano, Fernandez, Medina, Saucedo, Villamil, Miranda, Menacho
Head coach Antônio Carlos Zago has opted for Bruno Miranda up front, rather than the more physical presence of Carmelo Algarañaz. Miranda had a brief spell on loan with MLS side DC United but failed to find the back on the net in any of his 12 appearances.
The United States have less than hour to go until they begin their Copa America journey. Italian referee Maurizio Mariani will be the man in the middle as USMNT take on Bolivia at AT&T Stadium in Texas.
Here's everything you need to know about Mariani...
Yep, confirmed USMNT team news
As suggested it's Folarin Balogun who leads the line for USMNT today. There had been competition for that starting striker role, with Haji Wright and Ricardo Pepi all in contention but Gregg Berhalter has opted to stick with Balogun.
The Monaco striker has had a difficult season with his new team but he remains the US' most reliable finisher, a key factor when they come to face the top teams.
USMNT team news!
Here it is, not yet confirmed by official team sources but it looks like it's Folarin Balogun who will get the nod for USMNT from the start. Berhalter is set to start Tyler Adams over Yunus Musah in midfield.
Bolivia arrive at AT&T Stadium
La Verde are looking focused ahead of their Copa America opener tonight, still getting used to life without all-time top scorer Marcelo Martins Moreno. The big striker retired last year and Bolivia are yet to find a proper replacement.
Carmelo Algaranaz and Bruno Miranda, the two most likely replacements, have scored just four international goals between them. Will someone make themselves a hero today?
It has been said - by me, a few minutes ago - that this is one of the strongest USMNT rosters ever assembled. With countless players playing their trade in the top European leagues and a genuine elite talent in Christian Pulisic, this is a historic generation for the United States.
Here's a full look at the squad selected by Gregg Berhalter for this summer's tournament...
Will Berhalter give Haji Wright a starting chance?
As we await team news for USMNT, an outside shout to claim the No. 9 jersey is Coventry City striker Haji Wright. The 26-year-old has had a circuitous career but he made headlines earlier this year with a goal-scoring performance against Manchester United in the semi-final of the FA Cup. His play is a little more raw than Balogun and Pepi but he possesses genuine pace and the ability to worry defences.
If Berhalter intends to play on the counter-attack, Wright could be the perfect line-leading striker in a pacey USMNT attack.
PSV Eindhoven striker brings unique talents. / MAURICE VAN STEEN / EFE
Can Ricardo Pepi stake a claim to lead the line?
If Balogun’s form is a concern then Ricardo Pepi could be the next man up, a more complete and team-orientated forward than the Monaco man. But Pepi, too, has flattered to deceive in Europe this season, failing to cement a place in the Eredivisie-winning PSV Eindhoven side. His link play is commendable, but can he be a difference maker against top CONMEBOL sides?
Will Folarin Balogun be the main man for USMNT?
When he made the decision to declare for USMNT in 2023, Folarin Balogun was expected to become the team’s first-choice striker for years to come. He had just come off a 22-goal campaign with Reims and was about to make a big-money move to Monaco. However his form over the last 12 months has been patchy and he is yet to convince for the national team, failing to score in any of his four appearances in 2024.
Here's how his first season with Monaco looked...
We should have confirmed team news from AT&T Stadium in around half an hour. But first, let's take a look at the striking options at Gregg Berhalter's disposal to take on Bolivia...
Folarin Balogun, Haji Wright or Ricardo Pepi? The most contentious selection issue facing Gregg Berhalter is, perhaps, the most consequential. The US have struggled to score goals against top teams in recent years and none of their various striking options has managed to nail down the No. 9 jersey.
We take a look at how Berhalter could line up against Bolivia...
Atmosphere is building for USMNT opener
The loyal USMNT support is in good voice ahead of kickoff in Arlington, Texas. The United States have had a mixed run of form in recent weeks but they boast one of CONCACAF's strongest rosters are there is real expectation that they can go deep in the tournament on home soil.
We'll be bringing you full live text commentary right here on AS USA but you can, of course, choose to watch or stream all of the Copa America action. USMNT's tournament opener against Bolivia is set to kick off at 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT.
Here's everything you need to know...
Stage is set at AT&T Stadium
USMNT will make their Copa America bow in Arlington, Texas today and are fully expected to make light work of Bolivia. Despite recent inconsistencies, this has been heralded as one of the US' finest generations of players and Gregg Berhalter is expected to lead the team to a respectable finish.
There will be an expectant crowd at AT&T Stadium tonight, with nothing less than a home win acceptable for the tournament opener.
This summer will kick-start a massive two-year period for soccer in the United States as the nation looks forward to the 2026 World Cup on home turf.
But before that, there is the small matter of this summer's Copa America, which the US is also hosting. Gregg Berhalter's team is under pressure to perform this year, or the USMNT head coach will find his position under serious threat.
The US begin their Copa America journey today with their group stage opener against Bolivia. I'm Will Gittins, US soccer journalist for AS USA, and I'll be bring you all of the action from AT&T Stadium, Texas.
Away we go!