Josh Sargent, Tim Weah score in U.S. soccer team's 3-0 win over Bolivia
The first ever U.S. starters born in the 2000s, Sargent and Weah dazzled with sharp runs and a bit of flair. Sargent was one of six national team debutants in the game.
It's not easy to muster good feelings about the U.S. men's soccer team on the eve of the first World Cup they're missing since 1986.
But there was genuine cause for optimism at Talen Energy Stadium on Monday night. The Americans' 3-0 win over Bolivia was fueled by a pair of 18-year-olds, striker Josh Sargent and winger Tim Weah.
The first-ever U.S. starters born in the 2000s, Sargent and Weah dazzled with sharp runs and a bit of flair. They were rewarded with a goal each before being substituted off together after just over an hour.
Sargent struck in the 52nd, pouncing on a botched clearance by Bolivia backup goalkeeper Carlos Lampe and firing in a low shot.
Over the last 12 months, Sargent has scored for his country's under-17, under-20 and senior national teams. It's been a great ride for the St. Louis-area native, and it is not likely to slow down soon.
"I haven't had a lot of time to just calm down and think about it, but it's a really proud feeling," he said. "Going from one level to the next, being able to prove myself, it's a really immense feeling."
Weah got his goal seven minutes after Sargent's, volleying in a cross from Antonee Robinson. The 20-year-old defender ran nearly half the length of the field before playing the pass, with a few nifty feints along the way.
"Once I saw the service come in, I was, like, I've got to get there, I've got to get this, this is my opportunity to get a goal," Weah said. "I got it, and it was just an amazing feeling. I love this country, and scoring for this country in front of all these fans was such an amazing thing."
Walker Zimmerman scored the game's first goal, jumping high to head home a Joe Corona corner kick in the 37th minute.
Sargent and Robinson were among six national team players making their debut on the night, along with goalkeeper Alex Bono, defenders Matthew Olosunde and Erik Palmer-Brown, and midfielder Keaton Parks.
Olosunde, who grew up in Trenton, played the last 18 minutes at right back. He got a warm reception from the crowd of 11,882, which included Julie and Zach Ertz and fellow soccer-loving Eagle Jalen Mills.
"It was incredible — I had so many friends and family members here that came to support me and to watch," Olosunde said. "Just being able to wear the crest for the country and the senior team is great."
Christian Pulisic also got a warm reception, of course, playing for the national team in his home state for the first time. The Hershey native had a quiet night, though, and was subbed off late in the game after being hit in the head by an errant pass.
Pulisic will likely depart the U.S. squad as it heads to Europe for games against the Republic of Ireland on June 2 and France on June 9. Interim coach Dave Sarachan is expected to make 10 changes to the roster for the tour.