USA Beats Senegal 3-2 in World Cup Tuneup as Pulisic Scores 1 and Sets Up Another
Updated
Updated · CNN · May 31
USA Beats Senegal 3-2 in World Cup Tuneup as Pulisic Scores 1 and Sets Up Another
14 articles · Updated · CNN · May 31
Christian Pulisic drove a 3-2 U.S. win over Senegal in Charlotte, assisting Sergiño Dest in the sixth minute and scoring in the 20th for his first national-team goal since November 2024.
Ricardo Pepi helped unlock the attack with hold-up play and a key through ball, while the U.S. repeatedly created chances against a Senegal side widely regarded as Africa’s top team.
Two Sadio Mane goals exposed the Americans’ main concern before the World Cup, with Nicolas Jackson punishing turnovers and defensive mistakes from both the starting back line and halftime substitutes.
Folarin Balogun restored the lead after the break, finishing a move involving Weston McKennie and Tim Weah after two earlier U.S. goals were ruled out.
With Germany up next in Chicago and Paraguay awaiting on June 12, Mauricio Pochettino leaves the warm-up encouraged by the attack but still needing to tighten a leaky defense.
With a potent attack but a leaky defense, is the USMNT's high-risk style built for World Cup success or an early exit?
Folarin Balogun was Monaco's Player of the Season. Is he the elite striker who can carry the USMNT deep into the tournament?