Christian Pulisic came into U.S. men’s national team duty needing a jolt of confidence after a tough season with Chelsea and the star attacker received just that after a Man of the Match showing in Las Vegas.
Pulisic scored twice for the USMNT in Thursday’s 3-0 Concacaf Nations League semifinal victory over Mexico, clinching the Americans a berth into Sunday’s final. The 24-year-old earned SBI Man of the Match honors after scoring in each half against El Tri, leading the way in a shutout win.
The result extended the USMNT’s current unbeaten run against Mexico to six matches in all competitions, tying a program record against El Tri.
Pulisic broke the deadlock in the 37th minute, taking advantage of sloppy defending at the back by Mexico. The USMNT captain picked up a loose ball in the box before beating Guillermo Ochoa to the bottom-right corner for a 1-0 lead.
After missing from a great chance earlier in the first half, Pulisic made up for it with a confident finish.
Pulisic was at it again in the second half, doubling the USMNT’s lead to 2-0 after a great counter attacking goal. Weston McKennie’s upfield pass allowed Tim Weah to race behind the Mexico backline before crossing into the El Tri box.
Pulisic slammed home the assist from Weah, giving the USMNT some breathing room for the remainder of the match. Ricardo Pepi would add an insurance goal for the USMNT in the 79th minute, sealing the shutout victory,
Pulisic led all players with four fouls drawn, he won all seven of his duels, and completed two dribbles.
Pulisic edged out Timothy Weah, Sergino Dest, and Gio Reyna for Man of the Match honors.
What did you think of Pulisic’s performance? How big of a role do you see him playing in the final? Where do you expect him to end up this summer at club level?
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