Christian Pulisic needed a response, and so did the USMNT. Sunday’s 3-2 friendly win over Senegal offered both, even if the scoreline exposed familiar flaws.
The hosts started brightly in Charlotte, with Sergino Dest opening the scoring early before Pulisic doubled the lead inside 20 minutes. Senegal still fought back through Sadio Mané to level the match.
Folarin Balogun restored the advantage after the break, turning a nervy spell into a useful pre-World Cup victory. For Pulisic, though, the real story was personal, timely and potentially decisive.
Christian Pulisic breaks two unwanted streaks before World Cup
Heading into the match, Pulisic had not scored in his previous eight USMNT appearances. He was also without a goal in 21 matches for club and country.
According to ESPN, both were the longest scoring droughts of his career, which made his finish against Senegal more than a friendly moment. It shifted the narrative around the player whom Pochettino needs most.
Pulisic’s AC Milan season still carried substance. He scored 10 times and supplied four assists in 34 appearances, even as injuries disrupted rhythm and consistency across the campaign.
That context matters because droughts can distort form. His numbers showed he was contributing, but Sunday restored the clearest currency attached to every elite attacker.
The next test against Germany will provide a tougher measure of control and conviction. Still, Pulisic has removed the loudest individual question before the tournament starts.
The USMNT still have issues to address after losing a two-goal lead. But with Pulisic scoring, assisting and looking sharp again, their attack has a clearer path forward.
Read more:
