USMNT hail Christian Pulisic for contributions in 7-1 triumph over Grenada
Christian Pulisic earned praise from the United States men’s national team for his involvement in the 7-1 triumph over Grenada on Friday in the CONCACAF Nations League.
The Chelsea figure played an integral role in the team’s offensive efforts from the get-go, inspiring Ricardo Pepi to the first goal in the fourth minute of the match. Minutes later, he propelled Brenden Aaronson to the team’s second with a stunning assist from the left side.
Overall, he contributed to five of the goals, before scoring one of his own in the second half to secure the three points and break the USMNT’s nine-game winless streak.
“It's my job to help create and score goals and assists for the team,” said Pulisic.
“It was an important game for sure. I don't rank it as one of our best performances ever. I think we put in a solid performance, got the job done. It was a really nice scene, though, tonight in Grenada for sure, I thought. Field [was] not bad, though the stadium was beautiful, nice. Cool little atmosphere. So I think we definitely enjoyed ourselves here.”
In the shared post-match press conference, teammate Weston McKennie quickly jumped to commend Pulisic for his individual performance against Grenada, adding: “It helps the team out in the best way.
“I mean, to be completely honest, it's what I expect of him. For him to be able to do it consistently and be back and be in that zone, it always helps the team out in the best way, because he's one of the players on our team that can create things and can make things happen. So just to see him having fun, and just playing his game and with the confidence that he has, It's amazing.”
Pulisic’s contributions inspired the USMNT to break the team record for most goals scored in an away match. But it was his efforts on and off the field that impressed interim manager Anthony Hudson.
“I'm amazed by Christian. Through this last cycle and leading up to this camp, and then coming into camp, I just can't speak highly enough of the character of this person,” said Hudson after the win.
“Who not only is a talented player, but it's someone, I can assure you, he just absolutely loves playing for his country. Great character, loves playing for his country, is inspiring to the rest of the group. And I think you saw that in his performance. I can't remember the amount of times he puts his body on the line. For such a big player, playing at a big club, has a huge value on him. And we go to places like this and he has no problem just giving absolutely everything he has. So he is an inspiration to the rest of the group for sure.”
Pulisic will remain with the United States men’s national team as they prepare to take on El Salvador on Monday for the final Nations League match of the March international window. The team only needs a draw to finish the group stage atop Group D and advance to the final four in June.