Crystal Palace and Fulham defenders help USA to Copa America opening win

BY LARRY HENRY JR

The United States opened group stage play in winning fashion on Sunday at the 2024 Copa America and a trio of English Premier League defenders anchored Gregg Berhalter’s backline. 

Crystal Palace’s Chris Richards, and Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream all played 90 minutes as the Americans defeated Bolivia 2-0 in Group C action. The trio all featured in the USMNT’s pre-Copa America friendlies earlier this month and remained in the starting lineup on Sunday. 

Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun both scored goals in the first half, setting the tone early for the Americans. Pulisic scored three minutes into the match off of a confident right-footed curling effort before Balogun’s clinical left-footed drive ensured the win. 

Robinson, 26, was dominant on both ends of the field, winning eight duels, creating five offensive chances, and making four interceptions. The Fulham left-back is coming off a stellar league campaign for the Cottagers, where he was named Fulham’s Player of the Year.

The 36-year-old Ream completed 83 per cent of his passes, won three duels, and made six defensive recoveries. Despite being reportedly linked to a move to MLS side Charlotte FC, Ream is under contract with Fulham for the 2024-25 Premier League season.

Richards, 24, made two clearances, won two duels, and completed 88 per cent of his passes in the match. The Alabama native is coming off a career-best year for Crystal Palace, helping the Eagles register their best league – 10th – finish since 2015.

The United States will aim to make it 2-0 at the Copa America when they face Panama on Thursday, June 27 in Atlanta, Georgia.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD