The USA's Copa America starts with 2-0 win in Texas

Quick notes on a 2-0 victory over Bolivia in Arlington, Texas. It wasn't the searing start they may have hoped for, but it'll do for now.

That the match began with the heavens opening above us in Philadelphia– a storm warning flashing across the TV screen as a bucket of rain tossed over outside— didn’t stop USA vs Bolivia from kicking off to a vibrant start. 

Seconds in, Tim Weah fired a shot off as the team moved seamlessly into the final third. There was a clear familiar confidence in Weah’s early movements that stayed with him throughout the match. Moments later, Pulisic and Weah combined for a give and go off a corner, setting up tonight’s captain at the near corner of the box. Pulisic fired off a shot to the far side of the net that had weeks of emotion behind it. 1-0 USA in the third minute. 

The reaction from Pulisic, and the teammates running to celebrate, felt unmistakably like elation, perhaps also relief, after waiting so long in camp (beneath heightening pressure) to get this show finally going.

With a nod to Gianni Vio, the team’s set piece coach, Pulisic described the plan for the goal to Jenny Taft, on the FOX broadcast:

“We had the idea that if they only brought one out, you know, we take that two vs one. And basically the idea was just to shoot at the back post, and things can happen. And sure enough, it went in. Shout out to Gianni for that one, who had a really nice play drawn up and it worked.”

Antonee Robinson, who was among the best players tonight, told Taft: “We were itching to go. It’s been four weeks in camp nearly for a lot of us… We were just itching to start this process.”

That early energy was evident. Robinson, Pulisic and Weah were all electric. Pulisic in particular made clear, once more, not only his importance to this team (he played a reliable hand in both goals), but also his intensity before big moments. At every stop of play, he was waving on the crowd (of 47,873 in Arlington). With his goal, he set the tempo for players around him. 

Yet despite the strong start, the remaining half played out to a more disjointed tune. I found myself jumping off my couch more in concern for Gio Reyna’s ankles and shins than for opportunities on goal. Slow, chippy, some difficulty in the back. Multiple key players disappearing, especially in the midfield. 

Nevertheless they ended the first half 2-0, thanks again to Christian Pulisic for setting it up, and Folarin Balogun (back in the starting XI replacing Pepi) for the cool controlled finish. 

Second half: Musah in for Adams, who got the start, but remains returning to full fitness (though not if you ask him instead of Berhalter). Things remained imperfect but they found far more chances. With goal differential a potential looming factor (to take first in the group, ideally, or to escape it, worst case scenario), they may rue not taking more from their offensive production. 

Though as they say, the ball is round. 

Firing off 13 shots with an xG of 1.89 and three big chances, they finished the second half with nothing additional. (Their two goals in the first half came from seven shots with a .51 xG, for comparison). Ricardo Pepi in particular found himself short of multiple big chances. Though, I’ve a feeling what he’s producing will start falling. 

2-0 it was then. They go again Thursday against Panama, an old friend. 

Gregg Berhalter (again, to Jenny Taft on the post-match broadcast):

“I think the biggest thing was, there wasn't any doubt. To get the early goal really took a lot of pressure off.” 

Beyond the strong start powered by Pulisic, Berhalter expanded on their approach:

“...And then we knew they were going to be high pressing. We knew they were going to be aggressive. And it was actually to play beyond their press, and try to put long balls behind their back line, try to contest some balls higher in their end, and then, and then play for the second balls and try to attack from there. And when we did that, I think we're able to create enough chances. And the message to the team is, you know, it's always important to win your first game. We talk about progressing our performance, improving our performance throughout the tournament. So I think it was a good starting point.”

Later, Gregg added: “So again, I think it's the intensity from the start was important. We know the the performance was good, but it can improve. That's important. I think we can finish some more chances than we did today. But the most important thing for us now is just Panama. That's all it is. We focus on Panama.”