MIAMI — Christian Pulisic made a significant impact in his return to the U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) on November 14, scoring two goals in a commanding 6-0 victory over Haiti in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. Pulisic’s performance, which earned him the Man of the Match title, underscored his enduring importance to the squad as the team transitions into a new era under a yet-to-be-named head coach.
The match, held at Nu Stadium, saw Pulisic play a pivotal role after assisting Julian Hall’s goal early in the second half. He then scored from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute and netted another shortly after in the 63rd minute, effectively sealing the game for the USMNT. “Right after the goal, I think it opened up a little bit. I got a ball with space, and I felt I could curl it in to the near post,” Pulisic said of his second goal.
Pulisic’s recent absence from previous friendlies, where the USMNT integrated younger players, did not affect his performance. Coach Mauricio Pochettino praised Pulisic and fellow veteran Weston McKennie for their contributions upon returning, highlighting their leadership qualities. He expressed gratitude for their commitment during a time when many regulars had been sidelined to allow younger talents to shine.
Despite Pulisic’s stellar return, his relationship with Pochettino has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding his decision to skip the 2025 Gold Cup. Pulisic opted to prepare with the squad before the tournament instead of participating directly, which baffled Pochettino, who prioritized national team representation during his playing days.
As Pochettino prepares to leave for Manchester United, the USMNT is poised for a new direction. Pulisic emphasized that no matter the coaching changes, he remains committed to contributing to the national team. “I hope I can do everything I can to support them in any way I can,” he stated, referring to the rising stars within the team.
Pulisic’s standing remains strong as he continues to play for AC Milan, where he secured a long-term contract. His recent performances at the club level show promise for his future contributions to the national squad. The closing match of the quarterfinal series against Haiti will take place on November 17, further determining the USMNT’s path in this competition moving forward.
