COPA AMERICA 2024
Who is the top scorer in USMNT history in the Copa América?
The United States Men’s National Team has participated in the tournament several times, with varying degrees of success for team and players.
In the Copa America tournament, the USMNT has made multiple appearances. Notably, Eric Wynalda and Clint Dempsey have written their names in history as the leading goal scorers for the team at the competition, with each player netting three goals.
Eric Wynalda: A Trailblazer in 1995
Eric Wynalda’s performance in the 1995 Copa América was a breakthrough moment for the USMNT. Held in Uruguay, the 1995 tournament saw the US team achieve an impressive fourth-place finish. Wynalda scored three goals during the competition, making him the standout American player of the tournament.
His goals helped the US secure a 2-1 victory over Chile in the group stage and a stunning 3-0 win against Argentina. These performances showcased the growing competitiveness of American soccer on the international stage .
Clint Dempsey: Leading the Charge in 2016
More than two decades later, Clint Dempsey matched Wynalda’s record during the 2016 Copa América Centenario, a special edition of the tournament celebrating its 100th anniversary, hosted by the United States. Dempsey’s three goals were crucial in helping the USMNT reach the semifinals.
He scored in the group stage against Costa Rica and Paraguay, and again in the quarterfinals against ` Dempsey’s leadership and scoring prowess were instrumental in the US achieving another fourth-place finish, reaffirming his status as one of the greatest American soccer players.
With the team set to participate in the 2024 edition of the Copa América, there is hope that new stars will emerge and perhaps even surpass the records set by these two legends. The dreams are set on Pulisic to take over the mantle. Time will tell.