(Arlington) Christian Pulisic scored a goal in the third minute and set up Folarin Balogun’s net, guiding the United States to a 2-0 victory over Bolivia on Sunday night at the Copa America.
Among the six teams invited to this South American tournament, the Americans are expected to advance to the elimination phase with Uruguay, in Group C.
Bolivia has lost a 13th straight match at the Copa America since 2015 and has only one victory in its last 31 games.
Ranked 11th in the world, the United States will face Panama on Thursday and finish the group stage against Uruguay on July 1. Bolivia will cross swords with Uruguay and then Panama.
Goalkeeper Matt Turner made three saves for his 25th international shutout. The Americans improved their AT record to 6-0
The United States had 18 touches of the ball inside the penalty area in the first half, compared to none for Bolivia.
Pulisic gave his team the lead just 2:23 into the game, scoring the Americans’ quickest goal in 34 competitive matches against South American opponents. Pulisic accepted a delivery from Tim Weah to beat goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra.
Balogun doubled his team’s lead after receiving a pass from Pulisic. He maneuvered well with the ball before taking a good low shot. It was his fourth goal in 13 appearances.
Pulisic joined Clint Dempsey as the only American players to have a goal and an assist at the Copa America. He also reached the 30-goal mark the fastest for the United States, in 69 international games.
