U.S. men’s national team standout, Christian Pulisic, netted his inaugural goal of the season on Sunday, helping AC Milan secure an early advantage against Lecce in Serie A.
The sequence started with center back Strahinja Pavlovic assessing his options while deep in Milan’s half. Noticing Pulisic ready to break toward the goal, Pavlovic delivered a long pass that set off Pulisic’s sprint. He deftly outpaced two defenders, entered the penalty area, and controlled the ball with a smooth first touch using his right foot. With a well-placed shot using the inside of his left foot, the ball zipped past Lecce keeper Wladimiro Falcone and into the net during the 14th minute.
This goal comes a week after Pulisic provided an assist in a 2-2 match against Lazio, where Milan made a comeback from a 2-0 halftime deficit. That game marked Pulisic’s first appearance of the season and Sunday’s matchup against Lecce was his initial start under AC Milan’s new coach, Ruben Amorim. After dealing with injuries during the World Cup, which included a microfracture in his leg that kept him out of most of Milan’s preseason, Pulisic is now gradually regaining match fitness. He also made a brief appearance in a 2-0 defeat to Benfica in the UEFA Europa League, indicating he’s on the path to solidifying his form.
Pulisic was not included in the U.S. national team for upcoming friendlies in late September and early October. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino opted for a roster featuring 12 uncapped players alongside 13 who participated in the recent World Cup, focusing on a generational shift in the team. Pochettino emphasized the importance of evaluating the player pool in this transitional period.
Pulisic’s latest goal is significant as it marks his first for Milan since December 28 and just his second for either club or country in a stretch of 30 games. Historically, he has been an effective scorer, achieving over ten goals in each of his last three seasons with Milan and aiming for similar success this year.
Fan Take: Pulisic’s resurgence is vital not only for AC Milan but for the U.S. national team as well, as his performance can inspire confidence among fans and players alike. If he regains his scoring prowess, it could significantly elevate the U.S. team’s prospects on the international stage and invigorate soccer’s growth in America.
Source: www.cbssports.com
