Who Should Start for the USMNT vs. Bolivia?

The U.S. men’s national team’s run at a Copa America title begins on Sunday against Bolivia.

Gregg Berhalter’s squad heads into their first group stage match with confidence after drawing Brazil 1-1 back on June 12. Christian Pulisic found the back of the net through a clever free kick finish while goalkeeper Matt Turner made 11 saves in the match.

Joe Scally, Tim Ream, and Antonee Robinson were also among the positive performers for the USMNT.

Bolivia, who will be expected to finish last in Group C, has three players on its roster with 50 international caps or more. Carlos Lampe will be tough to get past in net while defender Jose Sagredo and midfielder Leonel Justiniano will anchor the rest of the squad.

Here is the starting lineup we could see the USMNT deploy against Bolivia on Sunday, as well as the lineup we would deploy if we were making the final lineup decisions:

GOALKEEPER

Who should start: Matt Turner

Matt Turner entered the Brazil friendly with a lot of questions to answer, but did so in fine fashion.

Turner made 11 saves against the Brazilians, overcoming an early error to deliver a strong performance. He not only denied Vinicius Junior in the latter stages of the match but also Rodrygo, who had scored past him in the first half.

Turner remains the No. 1 for the USMNT heading into the tournament.

DEFENDERS

Who should start: Joe Scally, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson

Gregg Berhalter used the same backline in both friendlies and I expect him to stay with them against Bolivia.

Joe Scally did plenty to boost his stock and confidence, limiting both Luis Diaz and Vinicius Junior in the friendly matches. Scally was strong defensively and also showed some glimpses of linking up in the attacking third.

Scally remains the USMNT’s No. 1 right back unless something drastically changes.

Tim Ream and Chris Richards did not impress against Colombia, but did well to bounce back against Brazil. Ream’s veteran presence paired with Richards’ physical abilities provide a nice 1-2 punch in the backline and both will be expected to excel against Bolivia.

Cameron Carter-Vickers, Miles Robinson, and Mark McKenzie remain options if Berhalter wants to go with a different look.

Antonee Robinson also delivered a bounce-back performance against Brazil, doing well defensively to limit the Brazilian wingers. Robinson, Fulham’s Player of the 2023-24 season, is one of the best left backs in the competition.

MIDFIELDERS

Who should start: Tyler Adams, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie

Tyler Adams featured off the bench against Brazil and should be ready to go against Bolivia.

It marks the perfect opportunity for Adams to get some confidence back as the USMNT will be favored to win their opening group match. Even if Adams can’t go the distance, 45 minutes would be good enough.

Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah are a strong duo and would be good options to set the tone against Bolivia. Both provide range and a great work ethic in midfield, something the USMNT would like to deliver throughout the tournament.

Gio Reyna and Malik Tillman did little to improve their stock heading into the group stage and could feature off the bench. Brenden Aaronson was solid against Brazil while Johnny Cardoso and Luca De La Torre are also options for Berhalter in the match.

However, I expect the dominant trio of Adams, Musah, and McKennie to be back together once again.

FORWARDS

Who should start: Tim Weah, Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic

Christian Pulisic was all over the place against Brazil and his playmaking abilities will certainly be needed against Bolivia.

Pulisic scored a clever free kick goal against Alisson and also was a thorn in the Brazilian backline’s sides for the entire match. He remains a confident attacker and will seek a strong start to his summer.

Folarin Balogun assisted once against Colombia, but did not start against Brazil. The Monaco man remains the most talented No. 9 in the player pool and could use a strong showing against Bolivia to get back on track.

Josh Sargent is fighting to get back to full fitness and might be an option off the bench. Ricardo Pepi, who was quiet against Brazil, is also a substitute threat for the USMNT.

Tim Weah’s dynamic running and willingness to take on defenders makes him a lock to start at right wing. Weah provides a strong work rate and also tracked back heavily against Brazil.

I don’t see any surpassing him for the starting role on Sunday night.

Haji Wright could also feature at the No. 9 or out wide, and might be used to wear down a tired Bolivia backline in the second half. Wright enjoyed a stellar season for Coventry City and is worthy of a roster spot.

What do you think of our projected lineups? Which would you start? Who are you most excited to see play? Are there any doubts you have?

Share your thoughts below.