The United States men's national team lost 2-0 to Portugal in Atlanta, with Christian Pulisic failing to end his goal drought despite starting as center forward. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino had suggested tactical changes to get Pulisic closer to goal, but the AC Milan attacker managed only two shots on target and won just one of seven ground duels. He received more passes than any other U.S. attacker in the first half but was substituted at halftime after picking up a yellow card and showing visible frustration. The first Portugal goal came in the 37th minute following a turnover by Weston McKennie, followed by a precise sequence finished by Francisco Trincão from a Bruno Fernandes pass.
The U.S. outshot Portugal 8-3 in the first half and recorded 0.45 xG compared to Portugal's 0.26, also registering more touches in the box. However, Portugal's superior depth changed the game in the second half as Roberto Martinez introduced Nuno Mendes, Matheus Nunes, João Félix, and Francisco Conceição. Mendes immediately pressured U.S. right-back Alex Freeman, exposing defensive vulnerabilities. Pulisic has now gone eight consecutive matches without scoring for the national team, the longest drought of his career, and will not play for the U.S. again until at least 18 months after his last goal. "We were able to create chances, which if I finish chances, which I know I'm going to, then things are going to be a bit different," Pulisic said post-match.
Pulisic playing as a central striker was meant to simplify his route to goals, but his one win in seven ground duels shows he's being isolated, not empowered. When he says he'll eventually finish these chances, he's banking on instinct—but the data shows he's losing physical battles he once won. This isn't just a slump; it's a mismatch between his current form and the role he's asked to play. For a team relying on his spark in tight World Cup games, waiting 18 months between goals is a luxury they don't have.
