USMNT Sends Pulisic, McKennie, Pepi Back to Clubs Ahead of Mexico Clash

USMNT Post-Win Roster Updates: Pulisic and Others Return to Club Teams

Following an impressive 2-0 victory over Panama in his debut match as manager, U.S. Soccer announced that several key internationals will be returning to their club teams. This includes prominent players such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Zack Steffen, Ricardo Pepi, and Marlon Fossey.

Pulisic’s Impact on the Match

In the match against Panama, Christian Pulisic showcased his playmaking abilities by assisting on the first goal scored by fellow AC Milan teammate Yunus Musah. Ricardo Pepi later secured the victory with a second goal late in the game, cementing the team's strong performance under new management.

Manager Pochettino's Decisions

The departures of these five players for the upcoming friendly against Mexico leave the USMNT at a tactical disadvantage. This decision aligns with the new manager Mauricio Pochettino's strategy of managing player workloads cautiously.

Pochettino expressed that both he and his coaching staff are committed to making decisions that prioritize player health and well-being, stating, "As we have said, we are always going to make decisions that are in the best interest of our players and respect the relationship we have with their clubs." He highlighted that Pulisic's match load was a concern, alongside McKennie's fitness status, which led to the decision to release them.

Injury Updates

Additionally, Marlon Fossey and Zack Steffen were unavailable due to minor injuries sustained during the match. Their early exits appear to be precautionary measures taken by the coaching staff to prevent further risk.

Pepi's Role and Future with the Team

Surprisingly, Ricardo Pepi, who has had a limited role as a "super sub" for his club, was also released. This decision surprised many, considering his goal-scoring capabilities shown in the friendly. With no replacements being called in by U.S. Soccer, the team must regroup and strategize ahead of their high-stakes match against their rivals.

Looking Forward

The USMNT's upcoming match against Mexico will not only be a test of their skill but also a measure of their depth and adaptability. With several star players returning to their respective clubs and others potentially stepping in, fans will be eager to see how the team performs in a challenging matchup.

• Next Friendly: USMNT vs Mexico
• Key Players Departing: Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Zack Steffen, Ricardo Pepi, Marlon Fossey
• Goals against Panama: Yunus Musah (Assisted by Pulisic), Ricardo Pepi
• Manager's Approach: Player workload management and injury prevention