It’s worth noting that the young United States men’s national team that tangled with Bolivia on Monday in Pennsylvania was also facing an untested Bolivia squad which doesn’t do a ton at full strength.
[ WATCH: Zimmerman scores opener | 3 things ]
But there’s still much to be excited about, relatively speaking, as the USMNT kicked off a trio of friendlies with a win on Monday.
Six players earned their first United States caps. They are tagged with asterisks*.
Starting XI
Alex Bono* -- 6 -- No fault in his rating. Had nothing to do. At times had to feel like he was back at Empire United, playing a tournament game against also-rans.
Eric Lichaj (Off 74') -- 7 -- Didn’t have to do much, but positionally sound as expected for the Nottingham Forest man.
Walker Zimmerman -- 8 -- A great goal to cap a solid if non-demanding 90.
Erik Palmer-Brown* -- 7 -- Barely more to do than his goalkeeper.
Antonee Robinson* -- 9 -- I’m not even sure what to do with an American left back handling his business like a possible 10-year answer. WHAT DO I DO, AMERICA?
Weston McKennie -- 7 -- He’s nearly as important a piece to the USMNT set-up as Pulisic. Today wasn’t a day to expect him to show what he’s good at -- breaking up danger and quickly setting the stage for possession and/or attack.
Tim Weah (Off 61') -- 8 --Almost as dangerous as Sargent, the PSG youngster rebounded from an early leg injury to bag a goal in his second USMNT appearance.
Joe Corona (Off 61') -- 7 -- Needed to be a steady veteran presence and was, wisely choosing when to adventure and when to stay safe.
Christian Pulisic (Off 89') -- 6 -- By no means bad, but in dire need of a deserved offseason. Remains the future of the United States men’s national team.
Rubio Rubin (Off 74') -- 6 -- Just fine. Active and adequate, but we can’t give out all 7s and better.
Josh Sargent* (Off 61') -- 8 -- Became the fourth-youngest goal scorer in USMNT history when he capitalized on a keeper error, and was largely a threat for the duration of his debut.
Something out of nothing! Allow @joshsargent to introduce himself! 😲 pic.twitter.com/tR9jO6gYgq
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) May 29, 2018
Subs
Andriya Novakovich (On 61') -- 7 -- The Telstar man again looked comfortable as he looks to keep his USMNT train on the right high-speed tracks.
Julian Green (On 61') -- 7 -- Perfectly fine, but the game was largely over when he entered the fray. Great dribble and through ball to set up Villafana for a “shoulda” assist.
Keaton Parks* (On 61') -- 7 -- The best performance of any sub, with apologies to Novakovich. Shocking that a 20-year-old midfielder of his skill and stature eluded the entire national team set-up until this stage of his career.
Matthew Olosunde* (On 74') -- N/A -- The Manchester United prospect from the Mooch Soccer project makes his debut.
Lynden Gooch (On 74') -- N/A -- Probably pleased to take a step up from the squad quality at Sunderland, but should’ve had a goal in stoppage time.
Jorge Villafana (On 89') -- N/A -- Sueno gets a cameo for cap No. 17, and makes a pinpoint cross Gooch should’ve finished in stoppage time.
