Pulisic Ends Drought as World Cup Momentum Builds

USA Player Ratings

GK Matt Turner – 6.5/10

Turner had little chance with either Senegal goal and produced several important interventions to keep the Americans in front. His distribution was generally solid, though a couple of nervy moments playing out from the back highlighted an area still requiring improvement. Overall, a dependable evening.

CB Tim Ream – 6/10

The veteran brought his usual composure and leadership to the back line. His positioning was excellent for much of the match, but Senegal’s pace occasionally exposed the limitations that come with age. Ream remains an important organiser but was stretched at times.

CB Mark McKenzie – 6.5/10

A physical and determined performance from McKenzie. He won several key aerial duels and was aggressive in stepping into midfield. However, he was partially at fault for Senegal’s second goal after losing his marker in transition.

CB Alex Freeman – 7/10

One of the more encouraging performances of the evening. Freeman looked comfortable in the three-man defence, showing maturity beyond his years. He made several timely interceptions and wasn’t afraid to drive forward when opportunities arose.

RM Tyler Adams – 8/10

The heartbeat of the team once again. Adams covered enormous ground, disrupted Senegal’s rhythm, and provided the defensive shield that allowed the attack to flourish. His leadership was evident throughout, especially during difficult moments in the second half.

LM Sebastian Berhalter – 7.5/10

Berhalter continues to make a compelling case for increased involvement. His work rate was exceptional, and his delivery from wide areas created several dangerous opportunities. He contributed significantly in both the attacking and defensive phases.

RWB Sergiño Dest – 8/10

The dynamic fullback looked fully energised. Dest’s overlapping runs consistently troubled Senegal’s defence, and he was heavily involved in the build-up to one of the USA’s goals. His creativity and technical ability were on full display.

LWB Antonee Robinson – 8/10

Antonee Robinson delivered another energetic and influential performance down the left flank, showcasing exactly why he remains one of the United States’ most important players heading into the World Cup. Operating as a left wing-back in Pochettino’s 3-4-3 system, Robinson provided constant width and was a relentless attacking outlet throughout the match.

FW Gio Reyna – 8.5/10

Reyna was arguably the most influential attacking player on the field. Operating in a free role, he linked midfield and attack seamlessly, creating chances and constantly finding pockets of space. His vision and passing repeatedly unlocked Senegal’s defence.

FW Christian Pulisic – 9/10

Embed from Getty Images

This was the night Pulisic desperately needed.

After months without a goal for club or country, the American captain finally broke through with a composed finish that lifted a visible weight from his shoulders. Beyond the goal, he was energetic, direct, and constantly threatened Senegal’s backline. The confidence gained from this performance could prove invaluable heading into the World Cup.

FW Ricardo Pepi – 8/10

Pepi continued his strong form with an intelligent and industrious display. His movement created space for teammates, and he contributed significantly to the attack. His finishing was clinical when presented with opportunities, further strengthening his case as the team’s starting striker.

USA Substitutes Player Ratings vs Senegal

Folarin Balogun – 7.5/10

Introduced in the second half, Balogun immediately added pace and directness to the American attack. His movement stretched Senegal’s back line and created valuable space for Pulisic and Reyna. His trickery and pace allowed him to register his name on the scoresheet; his energy helped the United States maintain attacking pressure during a crucial period of the match.

Weston McKennie – 7/10

McKennie brought his trademark intensity and physicality after coming on. He helped the Americans regain control in midfield as Senegal began to build momentum. His ability to win second balls and disrupt opposition attacks proved valuable late in the game.

Yunus Musah – 7.5/10

Musah’s ball-carrying ability provided the United States with an important outlet in the closing stages. He drove forward confidently and helped relieve pressure by advancing possession through midfield. A composed and effective cameo.

Joe Scally – 6.5/10

Scally provided fresh legs in the wide areas and performed his defensive duties efficiently. He wasn’t heavily involved going forward, but helped preserve the lead with disciplined positioning and smart decision-making.

Malik Tillman – 7/10

Tillman showcased his technical quality with several clever touches in tight spaces. He linked play effectively and nearly created a scoring opportunity with an incisive pass. His growing confidence could make him a valuable option during the World Cup.

Brenden Aaronson – 7/10

Aaronson’s relentless pressing caused problems for Senegal’s defenders late in the game. His work rate remained exceptional from the moment he entered, helping the United States defend from the front and disrupt Senegal’s buildup.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino – 8/10

Pochettino’s tactical setup showed both ambition and flexibility. The 3-4-3 formation allowed the United States to maximise the attacking strengths of Dest and Robinson while creating space for Reyna and Pulisic to operate between the lines.

The Argentine manager has spent months implementing a more proactive style, and there were signs that the players are beginning to fully embrace his philosophy. The team looked more comfortable in possession and showed greater attacking fluidity than in several previous matches.

Defensively, there are still concerns. Conceding two goals against quality opposition highlights vulnerabilities that Germany will undoubtedly attempt to exploit in the final warm-up match. Nevertheless, Pochettino will be pleased with the team’s response whenever Senegal threatens to seize momentum.

Most importantly, several key players appear to be finding form at precisely the right moment.

What the Result Means

While warm-up matches rarely define tournament success, this victory carries significant psychological value. The United States demonstrated resilience, attacking creativity, and the ability to respond under pressure against one of Africa’s strongest sides.

Pulisic’s return to scoring form may prove to be the biggest takeaway. The national team’s hopes in Los Angeles and beyond will largely depend on their captain producing moments of magic on the biggest stage.

The emergence of strong performances from Reyna, Adams, Dest, and Pepi also offers encouragement as Pochettino continues refining his preferred lineup.

Next comes a far sterner examination against the formidable German side in Chicago on June 6. That match will provide the clearest indication yet of whether the United States is truly ready to compete with the world’s elite.

For now, however, the Americans can take satisfaction from a morale-boosting 3-2 victory and a growing sense that momentum is building at exactly the right time. With Paraguay waiting at SoFi Stadium, Pochettino’s men head into their final preparation match believing that their World Cup journey could be gathering pace at the perfect moment.