Coming Home: Christian Pulisic Back With MNT for USA-Bolivia on May 28
U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Christian Pulisic confirms he will be part of the U.S. roster to face Bolivia on May 28 at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pa.
The U.S. Men’s National Team descends on Philadelphia to open its summer series on May 28 against Bolivia. And while it’s the kickoff of what will be a challenging run of matches through the end of 2018, it also serves as a homecoming of sorts for exciting young attacker Christian Pulisic.
Last week, U.S. Soccer confirmed the Hershey, Pa., will be part of the squad that takes on Bolivia at Talen Energy Stadium in nearby Chester, rejoining the MNT for the first time since last October. Though part of the USA’s 2016 Copa America Centenario squad that played in Philadelphia, the then 17-year-old didn’t take the field in the MNT’s 1-0 victory against Paraguay in the group finale, making the clash against Bolivia his first chance to feature internationally near his hometown.
“I’m really excited to play in Philadelphia,” the Borussia Dortmund midfielder said. “Obviously that’s so close to my home and a lot of my family will be there. I’m super excited to put on the U.S. jersey again.”
Having earned his first senior cap a little more than two years ago, Pulisic became a focal point of the MNT attack in 2017, racking up six goals and four assists in nine matches before overwhelmingly running away with the side’s Player of the Year award. The 19-year-old has been a consistent contributor for his club side again this campaign, appearing in 40 competitive matches as Dortmund strive to ensure Champions League football again next season.
Though absent from the international scene recently, Pulisic has watched closely as MNT head coach Dave Sarachan has incorporated a number of young faces into the group since last November, including former YNT teammates Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie. And while some familiar faces will be present in Philadelphia, Pulisic also recognizes he will be part of an emerging group of talented, young players at the start of their own journey with the MNT.
“Any time I get to put on the U.S. crest I’m really excited and obviously I’m going to get to see some new faces and I think the team is going to enjoy the trip in Philly.”