The United States Men’s National Team, or USMNT, is looking for a solid appearance at home in the Copa America 2024. In what surely will draw comparisons to the upcoming 2024 World Cup all across North America, the Copa America will provide football fans with exciting tournament action over the next few weeks.
The USMNT looks prepared to be the favorite of the six CONCACAF clubs to reach the knockout stage of the Copa America 2024 tournament. The United States’ best avenue for a successful tournament run will be to win Group C over Uruguay, Bolivia, and Panama. Uruguay claims 10-out-of-11 Copa America titles from this Group, with Bolivia’s 1963 win accounting for the outlier.
The United States has a pair of fourth-place finishes on their resume entering the 2024 Copa America tournament losing to Columbia in 1995 and 2016.
Goalies & Defense for the USMNT
The sports adage is “Defense wins championships” so let’s start there with the United States. In goal for the USMNT is goalkeeper Matt Turner from Nottingham Forest of the English Premier League. Evan Turner of Cardiff City of the English second division should receive backup duty in front of the MLS’ Sean Johnson.
A major blow to the USMNT defense core occurred six weeks ago when Sergio Dest was sidelined with a torn ACL. Head coach Gregg Berhalter has several options for selection between Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach) or Shaq Moore (Nashville SC). The center position features the combo of Premier League talents Tim Ream/Chris Richards, while Antonee Robinson roams the left-back side of the pitch.
Midfield Presents Buffet of Options for Berhalter
It will be interesting to see how USMNT coach Berhalter presents his starting IX for the Copa America 2024 tournament. Two years ago at the 2022 World Cup, the trio of Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and Yunus Musah was strong in a 1-2-0 finish including a 0-0 draw against England.
Nottingham Forrest star Gio Reyna played only 7 minutes in the group stage before a second-half substitution run against the Netherlands in the Round of 16. The U.S. trailed 2-0 at that point already before ultimately losing 3-1 ending their Gold trophy dreams. Given Reyna’s role for Nottingham over the last few seasons, will there be a little more playing time available in the 2024 version of Berhalter’s lineup?
PSV’s Eindhoven’s 21-year-old Malik Tillman is also worthy of playing time in the dynamic UMSNT midfield, so Coach Berhalter certainly has options.
Pulisic Leads U.S. Attack at Copa America 2024
To succeed in soccer matches, teams legally have to shoot the air-filled ball over the landscaped painted line. The forwards are most likely to make this happen and the USMNT has a few options to select from up front.
Josh Sargent is available but slightly banged up entering the tournament which could mean minutes for Ricardo Pepi or Folarion Balogun at the striker position. Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah will play outside of the offensive box. Dynamic forward Brenden Aaronson looms on the bench hoping for some playing time at Copa America 2024.
About The Author
Christopher Babos is a genuine sports & entertainment journalist with diverse credentials in writing, broadcasting, and digital media. With various roles in the sports industry over two decades, Chris can speak with authority on the topics he covers. He can be located on X for real-time takes (@CBabosWrites).
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