As the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) enters the next phase of its development, one thing has remained a constant: star midfielder Christian Pulisic is the engine that makes the whole thing hum. And he’s doing it better than any American has ever done.
The Copa America group stage began for the Americans on Sunday, with the USMNT taking on Bolivia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Christian Pulisic wasted absolutely no time making his presence felt in the match, either.
In the third minute after the USMNT secured a corner kick, Pulisic lined up for a short one with Timothy Weah. Weah laid the ball off for Pulisic, who dribbled out to the corner of the 18-yard box.
Then he unleashed a missile that curled perfectly in the upper 90 on the far post, putting his team ahead 1-0 early on. Pulisic would later assist on a goal forFolarin Balogun just before the half, securing the final margin of 2-0 in the group stage opener.
Christian Pulisic’s goal was his 30th in international play. And he has reached the 30-goal mark faster than any other player in USMNT history. Given his pace, the all-time American record is one he could potentially shatter in the coming years.
Already Pulisic is tied for fifth in American history with his 30 goals, which matches striker Brian McBride. McBride was a beloved player in USMNT history, in part due to his playing through a brutal cut to his face in the 2006 World Cup.
The handful of others ahead of Pulisic are also American soccer icons. Here’s the list:
T-1. Clint Dempsey – 57
T-1. Landon Donovan – 57
3. Jozy Altidore – 42
4. Eric Wynalda – 34
T-5. Brian McBride – 30
T-5. Christian Pulisic – 30
The thing that Pulisic has firmly on his side is time. The 5-foot-10 winger is only 25 years old. He’s already one of the most accomplished American soccer players in history.
Christian Pulisic currently plays his international football at the Italian club AC Milan, following multi-year stints at German club Borussia Dortmund and English club Chelsea.
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