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Christian Pulisic finally snapped his scoring drought in a lively friendly against Senegal, and veteran Landon Donovan was among those quick to applaud. The timely performance gives the United States a shot of confidence as the squad races toward the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
Pulisic breaks drought and grabs attention
In a 3-2 win over Senegal, Pulisic delivered a goal and set up another, ending a dry spell that had lasted several months. The winger’s sharp play in the first half stood out as he combined speed, movement, and a clinical finish to change the tone of the match.
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Former US star Landon Donovan reacted publicly, saying the team needed to find a way to get Pulisic on the scoresheet. His reaction underlined how much of the squad’s attacking shape revolves around the winger.
Match snapshot: offense sparks, defense worries
- Scoreline: 3-2 in favor of the United States.
- Key contributions: Pulisic — goal and assist; other attacking players added pressure.
- Concerning elements: The backline surrendered two leads and looked unsettled under pressure.
The offense showed moments of cohesion, but defensive lapses repeatedly invited danger. The team celebrated the win while facing a clear checklist of issues to correct before competition begins.
Goalkeeper rotation adds another layer of uncertainty
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has alternated between Matt Turner and Matt Freese in recent friendlies. That experimentation aims to clarify depth, but it also leaves the starting role unresolved.
Why the keeper debate matters
- Consistency in goal affects defensive chemistry.
- Quick shifts in personnel can expose communication problems.
- Pochettino must weigh form, experience, and command of the penalty area.
Pressure mounts with the World Cup on home turf
The U.S. will open its World Cup campaign on June 12 in Los Angeles, facing Paraguay in Group D. Hosting expectations are high, and every friendly now feels like a dress rehearsal.
Clint Dempsey recently warned that a home tournament can define careers. He suggested players treat this window as a defining moment, where missed chances could carry long-term consequences.
What the team needs to fix before kickoff
- Reinforce defensive structure and reduce avoidable errors.
- Decide on a clear first-choice goalkeeper and build rapport.
- Keep feeding Pulisic chances while diversifying attack options.
- Improve concentration late in matches to protect leads.
Pulisic’s return to the scoresheet gives the roster a morale boost. Yet persistent defensive concerns and the unsettled goalkeeping picture remain urgent priorities for Pochettino and his staff.
