Carli Lloyd Defends Pulisic Critique After 4-1 Belgium Loss and Leg Microfracture

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 9

Carli Lloyd said she owes "no one an apology" after news that Christian Pulisic played through a bone bruise and microfracture in his right leg.
The injury was reported Thursday and explains why Pulisic was substituted in the second half of the United States' 4-1 Round of 16 loss to Belgium.
Lloyd said her criticism went beyond that match, arguing Pulisic also skipped last summer's Gold Cup to rest for the 2026 World Cup and "ended up resting the whole year."
Pulisic is expected to miss several weeks but could still be back for AC Milan's Serie A opener on Aug. 23.

Sources

With his legacy on the line, how will Pulisic's recovery challenge the 'soft' label from his critics?

What must the USMNT change to finally break its long-standing World Cup Round of 16 curse?

Is the criticism of Pulisic a clash between old-school grit and a modern athlete's approach to health?