The United States has kicked off the Copa America on the right foot Beat Bolivia 2-0 behind goals from Christian Pulisic And Folarin Balogun. While there was room for improvement in the match, all you can ask for to kick off a tournament is a clean performance, and that's exactly what Gregg Berhalter's men did. The time to look for improvement is against Panama, but let's see how the team performed on Sunday:
Goalkeeper: Matt Turner
Matt Turner could have brought a lawn chair to Sunday's match, but it's not his fault that the defense in front of him was composed and Bolivia offered little goal threat as he failed to shoot from the box. Turner still made three saves, which at least got him some action, but he'll need to do more as the USMNT moves forward.
Rating: 6
Right back: Joe Scally
Joe Scally came forward with ease and created a chance while also taking a shot. Like his defensive partners, Scally didn't have much to do, but it's clear he's growing in confidence at right-back, something that can only be positive for the future.
Rating: 7
Center defender: Tim Ream
Ream was great moving the ball forward while keeping an eye on Bolivia's attack. He cleared away everything he needed. There was a moment of concern when he appeared to take a hit, but Ream was able to continue, which is important because without the 36-year-old this defense would be in shambles.
Rating: 7
Center defender: Chris Richards
Stepped up when necessary, patrolling the skies in defense. There was a moment when Chris Richards sent a pass straight to a Bolivian striker which caused some danger, but other than that it was a clean evening with not much to do defensively.
Rating: 6
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Left behind: Antonee Robinson
With Bolivia offering no attacking threat, Antonee Robinson saw it as an opportunity to step forward where possible to assist in the attack. He was able to create an overload and created five chances while also making two shots. It was a confident performance from the USMNT's number one defenseman.
Rating: 7
Midfielder: Tyler Adams
Tyler Adams made his first start for the USMNT since March in the Concacaf Nations League final against Mexico and was not at his usual sharpness, misplacing a few passes, but as he ramps up his injury recovery that is to be expected. Adams was able to get half the football under his belt and now he will look to do more and take better care of the ball against Panama as this team has more confidence in him on the pitch.
Rating: 6
Midfielder: Weston McKennie
Not the best game for the Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie was wasteful in the first half, but it's a shame his best moment of the match won't appear due to Tim Weah's offside. During the second half, McKennie provoked challenges from a few Bolivian defenders. The USMNT will need more from McKennie in the second half and less from McKennie in the first half.
Rating: 6
Midfielder: Gio Reyna
A more subdued performance from Reyna. He received the hockey assist on Balogun's goal, but also kept possession of the ball in midfield. Given his dynamism, Reyna will be one of the first names on the team sheet as his defensive play has come a long way. Reyna doesn't try to do too much on the court and that's a good thing for the balance of the USMNT.
Rating: 7
Forward: Tim Weah
A great performance from the winger. Weah picked up his fifth assist for the USMNT and also created three chances while also making three shots. It was a complete game for Weah as he was involved in defense while being able to work with his attacking partners as the Juventus man grows by the day.
Rating: 8
Forward: Folarin Balogun
Balogun had a poor first half until his goal, but as a striker a short memory is important. Over time he will become more decisive in the USMNT, but his finish on a good team goal was fine. The hope is that by spending more time with Pulisc, Balogun will come to realize that the team can get him into good areas and all he has to do is finish or play with a runner in a better position than him.
Rating: 8
Forward: Christian Pulisic
Who else but the captain who opened the scoring as Pulisic lived up to his middle name (Mate) by bringing the energy to the Copa America with his curling effort in the third minute? Pulisic was unlucky not to score several goals during the match. He created chances everywhere, cut inside and made sure he led the attack. He takes home the Man of the Match award with a great performance.
Rating: 9
Substitute: Yunus Musah
Rating: Spelling Adams, it was an energetic performance from Musah off the bench. With the USMNT already leading 2-0 when he came on, it was all about making no mistakes and Musah didn't put a step wrong.
Rating: 7
Substitute: Ricardo Pepi
Had a chance that should have been put on target when he first came in, but Pepi was unlucky not to score, directing four of his six shots on target for an xG of 1.5. It was a nice substitute appearance, but the finishing boots need to be there or one of Josh Sargent and Haji Wright will get a chance next time.
Rating: 6
Substitute: Johnny Cardoso
A small cameo, but Johnny barely put a foot wrong and only misplaced one pass during the play. He won two of his three tackles, bringing fresh legs into the game.
Rating: 7
Substitute: Luca De La Torre
Although Luca De La Torre didn't get much of a chance to get involved, he did what he could in midfield.
Rating: N/A
Replacement: Brenden Aaronson
In the 86th minute, Aaronson didn't have much of a chance to make an impact.
Rating: N/A
Manager: Gregg Berhalter
A flawless performance from the USMNT to kick off the Copa America means Gregg Berhalter was right. He balanced Musah on the bench to start the match and had to build fitness for Adams while protecting his players. On another night, the USMNT might have won by five, but all that matters is that they won and know where they need to grow.
Rating: 7
