2 USMNT Stars Urged To Improve As Ali Krieger Warns Gregg Berhalter Despite Dominant Copa America Win Vs Bolivia

The hosts did not disappoint against Bolivia in their Copa America on match-day one. Cristian Pulisic started with a spectacle, scoring USMNT’s first goal- a screamer, in the third minute. The electric start to the first half also ended in spectacle as Falorin Balogun found the net a minute before half time. Gregg Berhalter’s men went goalless in the second half to see off Bolivia 2-0. While the USMNT’s start was promising, US Women’s Team legend Ali Krieger thinks the team’s defensive core needs to “tidy up” before the US faces Panama.

While rating USMNT stars’ performance in a recent episode of ESPN’s Futbol Americas, Ali Krieger remarked that US defenders Chris Richards and Timothy Ream can’t be rated above eight. Thereafter, she pointed out the instances where Richards and Ream lacked perfection.

Gregg Berhalter’s defensive core needs improvements before Panama tie- Ali Krieger

Ali Krieger said that the US center backs Richards and Reams did well and kept the defense when full-back Joe Scally went up front. However, she added, “They kept it simple, made a few mistakes and that’s why they didn’t get anything more than an eight.” “The distribution wasn’t perfect, the connecting of the passes wasn’t perfect. They need to definitely tidy that up against Panama,” Krieger continued. After that, the USWNT icon said Panama could challenge Gregg Berhalter’s side if they gain the ball.

“They will get beat on you know when Panama regains the ball in transitions,” Krieger added. Anyhow, she is quite optimistic about the USMNT in the coming games, thanks to the opening win. Meanwhile, as the former Gotham FC star and other ESPN analysts pointed out, Berhalter’s men saw a slow and simple game in the defensive third. It was a game where the USMNT’s forwards outshone the rest of the crew.

US forwards shine, while midfielders and defenders play it simple

Having powered the US’ win with decisive strikes, superstar forwards Cristian Pulisic and Falorin Balogun rank higher in most player ratings. Besides, Gregg Berhalter’s forward line saw some busy action, as they shot 20 times on goal of which eight were on target. Meanwhile, the team’s midfield, led by Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie mostly had to ensure that the US kept possession, ESPN’s Ale Moreno observed. As you can see, Ali Krieger was of a similar opinion of the team’s defense, where the tasks were rather simple.

Bolivia had the ball 39% of the game-time and just had six attempts on goal, compared to the USMNT’s 20. Hence, it was a calm day for the midfield and the defense. But it won’t be the same against Panama, they say. What do you think? Tell us in the comments.