Christian Pulisic assisted Samuel Chukwueze for the lone goal in AC Milan’s 1-0 victory vs. Udinese on Saturday.
The United States forward was the focal point of scrutiny from critics after leaving the national team’s October camp early to get extra rest. Pulisic received criticism from former USMNT players Alexi Lalas and Tim Howard earlier in the week for missing the friendly vs. Mexico.
A well-rested Pulisic played the full 90 minutes for Milan on Saturday and supplied the key moment in his side’s victory.
Pulisic assist vs Udinese
Noah Okafor with the run ♂️
Christian Pulisic with the lay off
Samuel Chukwueze with the finishThat is now Captain America's seventh-straight Serie A match with a goal involvement for Milan pic.twitter.com/alalwU1XbP— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 19, 2024
The American had excellent vision to dump off the ball to Chukwueze who finished off the move with a blistering strike. This was Pulisic’s seventh-straight Serie A game with a goal contribution.
7 - Christian Pulisic is the first player to record a goal contribution in seven consecutive league matches in the top 5 European leagues this season. Tear. pic.twitter.com/APKwDceqlO
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) October 19, 2024
Most USMNT fans are pleased with the decision to have Pulisic miss the Mexico game and continue to perform at a high level with Milan. A healthy Pulisic excelling in Europe is a much better option than overloading him with a meaningless Mexico friendly game.
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino said that Pulisic is one of the best forwards in the world at the moment and wants to be sure not to overwork his star player.
The decision seems to have paid off.
Milan won a nervy game after going down to 10 men in the 29th minute.
Tijjani Reijnders and Milan are punished for this foul pic.twitter.com/sXPqTcm7jK
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 19, 2024
Following the red card Milan defended for most of the game but nearly doubled the lead in the 76th minute when Pulisic did brilliantly in the box to force a diving save from the Udinese goalkeeper. Tammy Abraham nearly scored on the rebound but ended up hurting his shoulder and had to exit the game.
Pulisic now has six goals and three assists through 10 games with Milan this season.
