Christian Pulisic Faces Goal Drought but Remains Optimistic Amidst Frustrations
Christian Pulisic continues to search for his scoring touch, having not found the back of the net for AC Milan this year and enduring an eight-game scoreless streak for the US men’s national team. This drought, his longest since late 2024, has raised concerns, yet Pulisic's teammates and coach remain supportive. After the USMNT's 2-0 loss to Portugal on Tuesday, Pulisic addressed reporters, maintaining a positive outlook despite his struggles. “It’s frustrating,” he admitted, but expressed confidence in overcoming this challenging phase. His reserved nature in press interactions reflects his experience, as he carefully navigates media scrutiny. On the pitch, Pulisic displayed determination, often playing as a center forward to increase his chances of scoring. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino aimed to bring him closer to goal, acknowledging his effort and commitment during the match. Pulisic's work rate was notable, particularly in the first half, contrasting with a disappointing performance against Belgium. However, frustration was evident in his body language. He had several missed opportunities, including a blocked close-range shot and a mishit pass, which culminated in a yellow card after a heated moment with Samu Costa. Pochettino substituted him at halftime, stating it was part of the plan. Despite the ongoing scoring woes, both Pochettino and Pulisic remain optimistic. Pochettino emphasized Pulisic's potential to regain form, while Pulisic reflected on the team’s positive efforts, highlighting the need for more clinical finishing. With the World Cup approaching on June 11, the pressure mounts, but Pulisic's resilience and talent signal hope for a turnaround.
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-04-01