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ATLANTA — When Tim Weah crossed the ball towards Christian Pulisic in the 22nd minute, Mercedes-Benz Stadium held its breath, hoping for something different. Pulisic — who hasn’t scored a goal for club or country in 2026 — has made a name off of converting chances for the USMNT.
But the ball zipped through Pulisic’s legs. He missed an opportunity to put the United States in front of Portugal, and score his first international goal since 2024.
“It’s frustrating,” Pulisic said after the game. “But I'm just gonna stay positive. I know eventually that they’ll go in.”
The U.S. and Pulisic didn’t run out of chances though. Right before halftime, Pulisic found himself in a position to make a difference again Isolated against Portuguese center back Tomás Araújo in the penalty area, Pulisic failed to make anything happen. After being dispossessed, Pulisic, in an act of frustration, kicked the heels of midfielder Samú Costa, resulting in a yellow card.
That was the last meaningful contribution from Pulisic in the match, as U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino made the decision to substitute the AC Milan star as the second half began.
It was the end of Pulisic’s international break. He finished with six shot attempts in two games against Belgium and Portugal, with no goals or assists.
"It's normal,” Pochettino said of Pulisic’s missed chances. “He was a little bit frustrated… but I am sure that he is going to start to score.”
Pochettino used Pulisic as a No. 9 against Portugal, moving him closer to the goal in an attempt to end his drought. Though the chances were there on Tuesday, the goals were not.
After a 5-2 loss to Belgium on Saturday and a 2-0 loss to Portugal Tuesday night, questions will surround this United States team and its most notable player heading into the 2026 World Cup.
This season for AC Milan in Serie A, Pulisic has eight goals in just 23 matches. But his last goal came on December 28, 2025 against Hellas Verona.
The USMNT will need more from Pulisic in the coming months. With just two international friendlies in the early summer against Senegal and Germany separating this squad from the 2026 World Cup, there isn’t much time for him and this team to course correct.
Despite losing the last two matches, the United States and Pochettino are staying confident in their abilities.
“I am more positive now than ever before,” Pochettino said. “Seeing the team compete, we are not far away.”
Carter Braun is a student in the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Christian Pulisic goal drought continues in USMNT loss to Portugal
Continue reading...
But the ball zipped through Pulisic’s legs. He missed an opportunity to put the United States in front of Portugal, and score his first international goal since 2024.
“It’s frustrating,” Pulisic said after the game. “But I'm just gonna stay positive. I know eventually that they’ll go in.”
The U.S. and Pulisic didn’t run out of chances though. Right before halftime, Pulisic found himself in a position to make a difference again Isolated against Portuguese center back Tomás Araújo in the penalty area, Pulisic failed to make anything happen. After being dispossessed, Pulisic, in an act of frustration, kicked the heels of midfielder Samú Costa, resulting in a yellow card.
That was the last meaningful contribution from Pulisic in the match, as U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino made the decision to substitute the AC Milan star as the second half began.
It was the end of Pulisic’s international break. He finished with six shot attempts in two games against Belgium and Portugal, with no goals or assists.
"It's normal,” Pochettino said of Pulisic’s missed chances. “He was a little bit frustrated… but I am sure that he is going to start to score.”
Pochettino used Pulisic as a No. 9 against Portugal, moving him closer to the goal in an attempt to end his drought. Though the chances were there on Tuesday, the goals were not.
After a 5-2 loss to Belgium on Saturday and a 2-0 loss to Portugal Tuesday night, questions will surround this United States team and its most notable player heading into the 2026 World Cup.
This season for AC Milan in Serie A, Pulisic has eight goals in just 23 matches. But his last goal came on December 28, 2025 against Hellas Verona.
The USMNT will need more from Pulisic in the coming months. With just two international friendlies in the early summer against Senegal and Germany separating this squad from the 2026 World Cup, there isn’t much time for him and this team to course correct.
Despite losing the last two matches, the United States and Pochettino are staying confident in their abilities.
“I am more positive now than ever before,” Pochettino said. “Seeing the team compete, we are not far away.”
Carter Braun is a student in the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Christian Pulisic goal drought continues in USMNT loss to Portugal
Continue reading...
