As we step inside the final fortnight before the 2018 FIFA World Cup, international sides are using it as a time to gel. For the USMNT, their absence for the tournament has given them an opportunity to reflect and experiment. With a brave new generation coming through, a match up with Bolivia saw a new era take shape as they ran out 3-0 victors.
The likes of Timothy Weah and Christian Pulisic are two players that personify the next- generation of American soccer. Two players that craft their club game on European soil, this was a rare home outing to be enjoyed. Not a single player in the USMNT line-up was over 30. That shows the hunger to build with a new generation and while Bolivia are not renowned as an international powerhouse, the home side turned the screw with efficiency. Josh Sargent, Walker Zimmerman, Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah are new names to remember - all four proved potent across the pitch and on the attack. With the addition of Borussia Dortmund's Christian Pulisic, the USMNT proved a handful for the Bolivian back line on countless occasions.
Those aforementioned next-gen names left the field with their names on the scoresheet. Zimmerman opened the scoring on 37 minutes, before debutant of Josh Sargent doubled the lead on 52 minutes, leaving Timothy Weah to seal the deal just six minutes later.
A learning curve with a positive result and an ideal opportunity to give those players coming through a taste of what's to come. The USMNT will be missed at the World Cup though there's plenty of reason to be optimistic as they build towards 2022.
Photography by Derek Campbell for SoccerBible.
