In its last friendly before the Copa America Centenario, the U.S. men's national team showed much-needed improvement in a 4-0 win over Bolivia in Kansas City, highlighted by young starlet Christian Pulisic, who became the youngest goal scorer ever for the team at 17 years old.
Just days after edging Ecuador 1-0 despite not showing a quality product on the field, the play improved, the team looked more gelled and the attack was more precise in the comfortable victory.
Here are the goals:
Gyasi Zardes, 31 minutes in.
John Brooks, 37 minutes in.
Watch the #USMNT's crafty free kick & @j_brooks25's cool finish to give the U.S. a 2-0 lead vs. Bolivia. #USAvBOLhttps://t.co/Q66H7KhRDI
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) May 29, 2016
Zardes, 52 minutes in.
Watch @gyasinho's second goal of the night thanks to an impressive assist from Bobby Wood. #USAvBOL, 3-0, 67'https://t.co/kleUYmo8Jl
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) May 29, 2016
Pulisic, 69 minutes in.
Watch 17-year-old @cpulisic_10's first international goal to give the #USMNT a 4-0 lead against Bolivia. #USAvBOLhttps://t.co/6c8BUGqQAb
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) May 29, 2016
A strong result, and what a moment for Pulisic to set the mark. The defense was sharp as well, but let's remember it was against Bolivia. Still, it's a victory that will give the team a bit of confidence, as strong passing and precise finishing carried the team.
Next, the U.S. will open up Copa America with a Group A clash against group favorite Colombia on Friday. In a far bigger test than those the U.S. played in its friendlies, the result in the opener will go a long way in determining if the team can make a run. Still coming off a poor year of form dating back to the Gold Cup, Saturday's result brings confidence, something required to make a statement in any cup, and it came at just the right time.
