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Matt Turner admits USMNT could have done 'some things' better during Copa America opener against Bolivia but 'implores people to not lose sight' of ultimate aim

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  • USA beat Bolivia 2-0
  • Pulisic and Balogun were on target
  • Turner believes there is room for improvement
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Christian Pulisic ignited the Dallas crowd with a stunning opener just three minutes into the match, setting the tone for a dominant performance, while Folarin Balogun added a second goal, securing a comfortable win for the U.S. team. Turner had little to do as their opponents ended with a meagre expected goal tally of 0.18 to USA's 2.40.

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  • Christian Pulisic USMNT Copa America 2024Getty

    WHAT TURNER SAID

    Despite the convincing win and a dominant display, Turner acknowledged that the USMNT could have performed better in certain aspects of the game.

    “Obviously, we wish we did some things better, but that’s what tournaments are about,” Turner told reporters. “You want to improve and get better throughout the tournament and keep growing as a team and a bond and a culture.

    “So as much as we could have done things a little bit differently, at the end of the day we got a clean sheet, we scored two goals and we won. Going into this next match we know we might have to be a little bit better if we want to win that game as well.”

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Nonetheless, Turner was quick to emphasize the importance of taking victories as they come, especially in high-stakes tournaments like Copa America and urged the fans to "not lose sight" of the long-term goal of the group this summer.

    “I think you take wins when you get wins, no matter the context," he said. "I think the result, especially in tournament play, is the end-all-be-all and I implore people to not lose sight of that. I think any time you can win a game in a worldwide competition and a big-time tournament, it’s good for the program, it’s good for us.”

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    WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?

    The USMNT will be back in action against Panama on Thursday followed by a titanic clash against Luis Suarez's Uruguay next Monday.