Ratings of players like Christian Pulisic lead USMNT to first Copa America 2024 victory

In front of a home crowd at AT&T Stadium, the US Men's National Team got off to a hot start in their Copa America 2024 opener against Bolivia, winning 2-0 with Christian Pulisic stealing the show.

After two strong performances in their Copa America games, including a 5-1 loss to Colombia, the USMNT looked to come out of their Group C opener and make a statement against Bolivia, the 84th-ranked team in the world.

How the game happened

The USA got off to an electrifying start, outscoring Bolivia from the start. Just three minutes into the game, it was none other than Christian Pulisic who scored a powerful goal from the top of the box to give the Stars and Stripes a 1-0 lead and the captain scored his 30th international goal.

The next 40 minutes of the first half were uneventful. The USA seemed content to slow the game down and finish comfortably. After a few half chances, Tim Ream won the ball after a Bolivian throw-in and the USA quickly played Pulisic, who headed it to Folarin Balogun. The forward fired the ball into the left corner of the net, beating Viscarra and sending the USA to the locker room 2-0.

Instead of giving up in the second half, the USA continued to push forward by starving for more goals that they should have buried. Ricardo Pepi, in particular, had some excellent chances, including a three-yarder in the 90th minute which he fired straight at the keeper.

Despite the lack of goals in the second half, the USA walked away with a comfortable three points and will focus on their next game against Panama on June 27.

GK: Matt Turner – 6/10 – The USA goalkeeper had a quiet night with a few saves that should have made him comfortable.

RB: Joe Scally – 6/10 – Compared to less passing, Joe Scally seems to be settling into his starting role in place of the injured Sergino Dest. However, he was not asked to do much.

CB: Chris Richards – 5/10 – Chris Richards helped Ream and Turner keep a clean sheet, but he had a couple of poor passes that could have led to dangerous chances against strong opposition.

CB: Tim Ream – 6/10 – Tim Ream did his job tonight with little gusto. He didn't need to be defensively heroic, but he won the ball back which led to Balogun's goal.

LB: Antonee Robinson – 8/10 – Antonee Robinson was always involved in the attack, finding space on the left side which often ended with a strong cross into the dangerous area. He is one of the most replaceable players on the roster.

CM: Weston McKennie – 6/10 – Weston McKennie had a solid game in midfield with a few threatening runs into the box, but also felt out of sorts at times. McKennie was booked in the 49th minute.

CM: Tyler Adams – 6/10 – Tyler Adams played only the first half of the game as Berhalter continued to manage the midfielder's return from injury. He looked decent with the ball at his feet, but his defensive strength in midfield will not be needed against Bolivia.

CM: Gio Reyna – 7/10 – While Gio Reyna has a few flashes of what he can bring to the USMNT attack tonight, it still feels like his best performance for the Stars and Stripes is yet to come. The Nottingham Forrest man was also in for a few tough challenges.

RW: Timothy Weah – 7/10 – Tim Weah may not be in the headlines after his performance tonight, but he has an assist on Pulisic's goal and remains one of the most reliable players in the USA attack.

ST: Folarin Balogun – 7/10 – Folarin Balogun got a goal just before the break, perhaps doing enough to retain his starting position despite being touched several times in the third place which did not end well.

LW: Christian Pulisic – 9/10 – Once again, Christian Pulisic was the USMNT's best player. Not only did he beat the USA 1-0, but he also helped Balogun's goal close the game in the first half.

What you are holding

Yunus Musah – 6/10 – Yunus Musah made his presence known in just 45 minutes, beating the ball players in central areas on numerous occasions and helping his defense win the ball back into his own half.

Johnny Cardoso – 5/10 – Johnny Cardoso only played less than thirty minutes and didn't have any memorable hits.

Ricardo Pepi – 5/10 – Ricardo Pepi had his chances, but he didn't have the final product.

Luca de la Torre – 5/10 – The substitute got the usual fifth after he came on for Weston McKennie in the 78th minute.

Brenden Aaronson – N/A – Aaronson played only the final four minutes and stoppage time.

The manager

Gregg Berhalter – 7/10 – Despite a comfortable win, the heat on Berhalter won't go away. The USA was expected to beat Bolivia, and their manager will not take much credit for fielding a team with better players in every area than La Verde. Berhalter's decision to start Balogun tonight with Ricardo Pepi, paid off.

Actually, the Stars and Stripes should have scored more goals on the night. I hope the team doesn't regret those chances given that this team can be decided on goal difference.