The story is instead the start by Pulisic (5 chances created) and two more subs integrating into the senior team.
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The coach made six changes from Friday’s 6-0 away win over St Vincent & the Grenadines – two forced since Matt Besler returned home after his wife gave birth on the day that he scored his first global goal against St Vincent, and DeAndre Yedlin was suspended.
Jozy Altidore scored goals 15 and 16 in World Cup qualifying for the United States against Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday. Because the US has a plus-13 goal difference, it could advance even with a loss because third-place Guatemala (2-2-1) is at plus-1. So when he reacts the way he did when asked about Christian Pulisic, the 17-year-old American sensation who could be lining up against Hart’s team on Tuesday night, you could tell he was genuinely impressed.
Pulisic, who has now scored three goals in seven appearances for the U.S. since making his debut earlier this year, is widely regarded as one of the brightest talents in American soccer for years.
“I’m ready for whatever comes”, Pulisic said Monday. All the MLS league-leader in assists had to do was push the ball into the far corner of the net, which he did easily to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead going into halftime. He was by far the best player on the pitch for either side, and offered the USMNT an offensive weapon they’ve likely never had before.
Pulisic was confident on the ball all night long and showed a real spark both out wide (where he worked a give and go with Kljestan and fed Altidore brilliantly for a gorgeous goal) and moving into the center (where Pulisic will be a force eventually as an attacking central midfielder). Following Dortmund’s summer additions, Pulisic figures to have even more competition for playing time. Sacha Kljestan was all over the pitch after coming on, and Christian Pulisic continued his ascent toward superstardom with a brace.
Pulisic made his first US start after seven appearances as a substitute, and at 17 years, 353 days, became the youngest American to start a qualifier. “Obviously, the performance was wonderful for us”. USA is now the main contender for the output, given the tournament motivation, I think the United States will make every effort in order to win the match.
Though Pulisic spearheaded the the national team’s offense – with his mom in attendance – throughout he took the most breath in the stadium when he threatened to open the scoring. “Whether we need him as a No. 8 or a No. 10, it’s not a problem”. Paul Arriola scored and Caleb Stanko earned his first cap.
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Kenwyne Jones got free in the USA area after some nice build-up play from T&T, but his effort from close range went well over an onrushing Howard’s crossbar.
