Here’s a moment that left soccer fans holding their breath: Christian Pulisic, the U.S. soccer star, was subbed off just before the 30-minute mark in a friendly match against Australia—a move that sparked immediate concern. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it a precautionary measure, or did the injury run deeper than initially thought? Let’s break it down.
On a crisp Tuesday evening at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, Pulisic’s night took an unexpected turn. In the 28th minute, he was fouled from behind by Australia’s Jason Geria, who earned a yellow card for the reckless challenge. After receiving treatment on the field, Pulisic was pulled from the game, handing the captain’s armband to Chris Richards before heading to the dressing room with team staff. At that point, Australia was leading 1-0, but the U.S. quickly turned the tide. Haji Wright scored a crucial equalizer just before halftime, and then delivered a stunning second goal in the second half—both assisted by Cristian Roldan—to secure a 2-1 comeback victory under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
And this is the part most people miss: Pulisic’s fitness had already been in question after he injured his ankle during training ahead of the USMNT’s match against Ecuador just days earlier. While he appeared as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Ecuador, his inclusion in the starting lineup against Australia raised eyebrows. When he went down against Australia, he was visibly clutching his right ankle, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering about the severity of the injury. Was this a minor setback, or could it sideline the AC Milan attacker for longer?
The nature of Pulisic’s injury remains unclear, but one thing is certain: his absence was felt on the field. Yet, the U.S. team’s resilience in his absence is a testament to their growing depth and Pochettino’s tactical adjustments. But here’s the burning question: How will this injury impact Pulisic’s season, and what does it mean for the USMNT moving forward? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think this was a smart move by Pochettino, or should Pulisic have stayed on the bench? Let’s spark a debate!
