3 Things I Learned On USA’s Sideline During Senegal World Cup Tune-Up

Christian Pulisic broke a goal drought stretching more than six months for the United States men’s national team, scoring and assisting in a winning performance against Senegal that served as a final tuneup ahead of the World Cup. Pulisic rounded the goalkeeper to slot home the second goal after earlier providing the assist on the opening strike, with the Americans finding both goals inside the first 20 minutes of the match.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino deployed a high-pressing system from the start, and his squad delivered on that tactical demand in the first half with sharp movement and combination play. Ricardo Pepi, handed a start in attack, played a direct role in both early goals before being withdrawn at halftime alongside nine other starters. The wholesale change at the break amounted to effectively two separate lineups across the 90 minutes, a common approach in high-stakes friendly matches used to maximise player evaluation before a major tournament. Folarin Balogun, operating in the second half, added a goal of his own and posed a consistent threat around the penalty area. Sebastián Berhalter was the sole outfield player to feature across both halves, covering extensive ground in central midfield throughout.

The striking question that shadowed the United States squad heading into the 2022 World Cup – where to find reliable goal threats – appeared more settled this time. Pepi’s combination play and Balogun’s instinctive finishing offered Pochettino two distinct but complementary options in the central attacking role. Pulisic’s contribution reinforced his status as the team’s key creative force, a role he has held since establishing himself in the Premier League with Chelsea and later Atletico de Madrid.

Defensive concentration in the closing minutes of each half remained an area of concern, with Senegal finding a goal late in the first period and creating danger again near the end of the second. The Americans are scheduled to face Germany in their final preparatory match before the World Cup begins. Pulisic told reporters after the final whistle that the fast start against Senegal would help build confidence heading into both that fixture and the tournament itself.