Christian Pulisic ended a nearly six-month goal drought on Sunday and helped the United States beat Senegal 3-2 in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the first of two World Cup send-off matches. Pulisic assisted on the opening goal and scored the second himself, giving the U.S. a much-needed lift after a difficult March international window in which the team lost to Portugal and Belgium.
The Americans played with greater energy and purpose than they had in those earlier matches, creating several promising attacking sequences and appearing more cohesive in possession. Pulisic, one of the team’s most important offensive players, looked sharp throughout and delivered a strong reminder of his value as the U.S. prepares for a World Cup on home soil. His assist on the opener came in a well-worked 10-pass move finished by Sergiño Dest, while his goal came after a smart through ball from Ricardo Pepi and a composed finish past Senegal goalkeeper Mory Diaw.
Senegal, however, exposed familiar weaknesses in the U.S. defense. Sadio Mané scored twice, with both goals coming after defensive mistakes and lapses in concentration. Senegal’s first came just before halftime after an errant pass from Antonee Robinson, while the equalizer arrived soon after the break when Miles Robinson’s back pass was intercepted and Brady was unable to stop Mané’s run. The sequence added to concerns about the U.S.’s ability to manage games and defend under pressure.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino used the friendly to continue evaluating his squad, as several lineup decisions remain unsettled ahead of the tournament. Goalkeeper is still a major question, with Matt Turner starting against Senegal and Patrick Schulte’s emergence adding to the competition. Gio Reyna made his first start for club or country since November 2025, while Pulisic was given another chance to break his scoring slump and responded emphatically.
The U.S. made multiple changes at halftime, but the momentum remained with Senegal until the Americans regained control in the 62nd minute. Weston McKennie’s pressing helped create the chance, Timothy Weah delivered a dangerous cross, and Folarin Balogun’s right-footed finish, via a deflection, restored the lead for the hosts and ultimately proved decisive.
The result offered the U.S. confidence and some attacking optimism, but it also reinforced that defensive stability remains a concern. With one more send-off match still to come before the World Cup, Pochettino will continue searching for the right balance between creativity and control. Sunday’s victory ensured the Americans will not lose both warm-up matches before a World Cup, a streak they have maintained in previous cycles.
