Christian Pulisic was unstoppable on Friday night during the USMNT’s 7-1 Concacaf Nations League victory vs. Grenada as he scored one and helped set up four others.
The U.S. expectedly dominated Grenada (ranked 173rd in the world) at Kirani James Athletic Stadium in the Caribbean island’s capital. While the victory was routine and nothing to brag about, it’s good to see U.S. players playing with confidence.
Pulisic was the most confident of the bunch as he along with many others made their first appearance for the USMNT since the World Cup defeat against the Netherlands. Officially on the scoresheet Pulisic scored one goal and assisted two. He played a role in all the first five goals for the team.
Pulisic vs. Grenada highlights
Grenada’s defense couldn’t keep up with the Chelsea forward’s quality. Pulisic pulled off several nutmegs, diced defenders and it got to the point where the only way to stop him was by fouling him. Pulisic was the most fouled player on the pitch (5 fouls).
His first goal contribution came in the fourth minute when he sent in a lovely cross that Ricardo Pepi headed home. This was a big goal for Pepi who hadn’t scored for the national team since October 2021.
Pulisic ➡️ Pepi
It only took four minutes ️Watch on TNT pic.twitter.com/7XthNFh9Ek
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 25, 2023
Pulisic’s next assist came 15 minutes later when Leeds United forward Brenden Aaronson doubled the lead. Pulisic attracted three Grenada defenders before dumping the ball off to Aaronson who did the rest.
Brenden Aaronson doubles the USMNT's lead
And it's Christian Pulisic assistWatch on TNT pic.twitter.com/TWWub4yq7u
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 25, 2023
Weston McKennie had the best goal on the night with a spectacular volley in the 31st minute. Pulisic swung in a free kick and McKennie’s initial attempt went vertical. He made no mistake on the second attempt.
Because the ball touched a Grenada defender this one didn’t count as a Pulisic assist.
A bit of magic from Weston McKennie
Watch on TNT pic.twitter.com/t43cpSP5fS— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 25, 2023
McKennie got his second goal three minutes later off another Pulisic free kick. This one was a hockey-assist for Pulisic as Auston Trusty headed the ball back to McKennie for the finish. This was Trusty’s debut for the USMNT.
Weston McKennie scores his second goal in three minutes ✨
Watch on TNT pic.twitter.com/0CniezOZtz— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 25, 2023
After helping set up the first four goals, Pulisic scored the fifth in the 49th minute. This one won’t be going on any highlight reels as the Grenada goalkeeper made a mess of the shot.
Two first-half assists ✅
Second-half goal ✅Christian Pulisic is cookingWatch on TNT pic.twitter.com/WgUtGHUcs1
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 25, 2023
Pulisic was taken out of the game in the 63rd minute.
Ricardo Pepi secured a brace when he comfortably scored the USMNT’s sixth goal in the 53rd minute.
Another one for Ricardo Pepi
Wach on TNT pic.twitter.com/1iHGQWb9j7— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 25, 2023
The cherry on top of the night was Alejandro Zendejas finding the back of the net. Born in Mexico, Zendejas recently committed to playing for the Stars and Stripes over Mexico. He scored a great goal in the 72nd minute.
Alejandro Zendejas' first USMNT goal makes it 7-1
Watch on TNT pic.twitter.com/JeixHbQZPI— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 25, 2023
This is the first time in history that the U.S. won a game 7-1. Grenada’s Myles Hippolyte scored his side’s lone goal in the 32nd minute with a vicious strike that Matt Turner could do nothing about.
Up next for the USMNT is the group stage finale against El Salvador in Orlando, Florida on Monday. In order to advance to the Concacaf Nations League final four all the U.S. needs to do is draw.
