USMNT vs. Bolivia: Match preview and how to watch
By Daniel Garza
The first of three international friendlies for the USMNT will begin on Monday against Bolivia. Here is the match preview and how to watch.
A very young and talented USMNT side is ready for their next set of tests as the pieces of the puzzle for the next FIFA World Cup qualifying window continue to be figured out.
Christian Pulisic is one of those young players who has been selected for this set of friendlies. The midfielder returns to the USMNT after a few months of hiatus following the Americans failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
Other notable names on the U.S. roster include Weston McKennie, Josh Sargent, and Timothy Weah.
Related Story: 3 Most Exciting Names On USMNT Roster For Bolivia
This will certainly be an interesting group of players to watch since most of them have only played with each a few times. Additionally, with a few players looking to make their first appearances there will be many new faces. Newcomers such as Keaton Parks will have the opportunity to showcase themselves to many fans who have yet to see him play.
Perhaps the one player that will be watched the closest is Sargent. The 18-year-old striker is being pegged as a potential star in the future for the USMNT. A goal against Bolivia would further add to the storyline that is developing around the young talent so many see.
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Thus far in 2018, the USMNT is undefeated. A draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in January and a 1-0 victory over Paraguay in March have been the only two matches played. Two other friendlies await the U.S. in June as they face France and Ireland away from home.
The quality of opponents is going to go up for the USMNT for the remainder of 2018 following Monday’s match, which makes it important for this group to find some cohesiveness for the matches to come.
The opponents
Bolivia brings a very inexperienced team with them to Pennslyvania. Half of the players named to the roster will be vying for their first appearance for their country. One Major League Soccer connection on Bolivia’s team is Bruno Miranda of DC United. Expect Miranda to see minutes against the U.S.
Having also failed to reach the FIFA World Cup, Bolivia will look to build off of what was a stellar finish to qualifying. Defeating both Chile and Argentina were upsets that will live on in national team history.
The last time the USMNT played Bolivia was in a friendly in 2016. It was a comfortable 4=0 win for the Americans, Pulisic scored his first goal for the senior team in that match.
Match Info
When: Monday, May 26th-6:30 p.m. (EST)
Where: Talen Energy Stadium-Chester. Pennslyvania
How to Watch: FS1, UDN, UniMas
Live Stream: Fox Sports Go