Tag: Christian Pulisic

USMNT star Christian Pulisic had a weak explanation for his Donald Trump dance goal celebration

If you’re going to make a political statement, stand by it.

In the wake of Donald Trump’s election for a second presidential term, we’ve seen several athletes signal their support for Trump by copying a dance the president-elect has been known to do at his rallies. But when it came time to explain the dance, they all had similar answers.

U.S. men’s national team star Christian Pulisic was no different.

Pulisic — who is enjoying a career-best season at AC Milan — scored the opening goal in the USMNT’s CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal win against Jamaica on Monday. And when Pulisic made his celebratory trot to the corner flag, many were surprised to see Pulisic break out that same Donald Trump dance we’ve already witnessed from Brock Bowers and Jon Jones.

Now, Pulisic is entitled to his political opinions — no matter how divisive they may be. And it’s no secret where he stands in that regard. But what was odd was how he brushed off the dance as simply something he saw as “funny.”

Pulisic said after the match via The Athletic:

“Well obviously that’s the Trump dance,” Pulisic said when asked whether he intentionally celebrated with viral moves. “It was just a dance that everyone’s doing. He’s the one who created it. I just thought it was funny.”

He continued:

“I saw everyone doing it yesterday in the NFL, I saw Jon Jones do it,” Pulisic said after the game. “We’re just having a bit of fun, so I thought it was a pretty fun dance.”

…

“No, not at all,” Pulisic said. “It’s not a political dance. It was just for fun. I saw a bunch of people do it and I thought it was funny, so I enjoyed it. I hope some people did, at least.”

And while teammates Weston McKennie (a vocal Trump critic) and Ricardo Pepi joined Pulisic on the dance, it’s awfully disingenuous for Pulisic to dismiss a clearly political dance as something he happened to see in the NFL and UFC. It’s an inherently political statement, and if you’re going to make one, at least have the courage to stand by it and explain it.

When Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem to protest police brutality, he didn’t shy away from questions. When USWNT legend Megan Rapinoe did the same, she was also able to answer for it. She wrote an entire piece about it.

If Pulisic wants to use his platform as the face of the USMNT to do that dance, he should be brave enough to give an honest explanation. He wasn’t willing to do that on Monday.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=4855122]

USMNT vs. Jamaica odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s USMNT vs. Jamaica odds and lines, with expert soccer picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The USMNT welcomes Jamaica to CITYPARK in St. Louis Monday for the second of a 2-leg CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal battle. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s soccer odds around the USMNT vs. Jamaica odds, and make our best soccer picks and predictions.

The USMNT will be playing their fourth game under coach Mauricio Pochettino. They won 1-0 at Jamaica in the first leg Thursday, but somewhat managed 6 fewer shots despite 60% possession. The USMNT struggled in the group stage of Copa America, failing to qualify for the knockout stage, but are expected to improve with their new coach. The USMNT is 2-1-2 in 5 matches since the July tournament.

Jamaica has only played in 5 Nations League battles since also bowing out of Copa America in the group stage. They lost to Mexico 1-0, Ecuador 3-1, and Venezuela 3-0 in that tournament and are 2-2-1 in their Nations League competitions since. Jamaica had a strong home showing despite a 1-0 loss Thursday. Jamaica ended with 1 more foul and 1 fewer shot on frame.

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

USMNT vs. Jamaica odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of soccer odds. Lines last updated at Sunday at 11:36 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: USMNT -280 (bet $280 to win $100) | Jamaica +600 (bet $100 to win $600) | Draw +370 (bet $100 to win $370)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -157 | U: +117)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

USMNT vs. Jamaica picks and predictions

Prediction

USMNT 2, Jamaica 0

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

There’s no good value here.

The USMNT are playing at home and should come out on top, but at almost 3 times your wager for a unit of return, there’s no way taking a team that had fewer shots than their opponent in the game prior is a good wager.

Similarly, Jamaica hasn’t beaten a good opponent in quite some time, and they will struggle to really keep pace, especially on the road. Avoid any moneyline play.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (+117).

The USMNT have a strong backline full of talent from the English Premier League, one of the top leagues in the world. However, they have consistently struggled to use similar talent to produce offensively. They have gone Under in 4 straight matches and in 7 of their last 9 outings.

The USMNT have held a clean sheet twice in their last 3 games. Jamaica has gone Under in 4 of their last 5 matches. They have scored a total of 4 goals in their last 5 contests and haven’t scored in 3 of them. Considering those trends, back UNDER 2.5 (+117).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=3296]

Jamaica vs. USMNT odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Jamaica vs. USMNT odds and lines, with expert soccer picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

Jamaica welcomes the USMNT to National Stadium Independence Park Thursday for the first of a 2-leg CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal battle. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s soccer odds around the Jamaica vs. USMNT odds, and make our best soccer picks and predictions.

The USMNT will be playing just their third game under a new regime, one guided by coach Mauricio Pochettino. This will be his first real game of importance, having lost 2-0 to Mexico on Oct. 15 and having beaten Panama 2-0 on Oct. 12. The USMNT had a terrible Copa America showing, bowing out in the group stage and is 1-1-2 (2 losses) in their 4 friendlies since.

Jamaica also failed to do much of anything in the summer tournament, losing to Mexico 1-0, Ecuador 3-1 and Venezuela 3-0 in the group stage. It has played in 4 CONCACAF Nations League match days since and went 2-2-0 in those. Jamaica’s most recent match was a 0-0 home draw with Honduras, ending with 9 fewer shots despite having 61% possession.

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

Jamaica vs. USMNT odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of soccer odds. Lines last updated at 6:51 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Jamaica +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | USMNT +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Draw +210 (bet $100 to win $210)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +129 | U: -173)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

Jamaica vs. USMNT picks and predictions

Prediction

USMNT 2, Jamaica 0

Moneyline (ML)

BET USMNT (+100).

The USMNT should have a new fire under Pochettino, and star F Christian Pulisic is playing at one of the highest levels in his career with AC Milan. They also bringing a star-studded backline led by Fulham D Antonee Robinson and Crystal Palace D Chris Richards. The USMNT, although at home, did put 25 shots on Jamaica and had 4 more shots on frame in a March CONCACAF battle as well.

Jamaica was rocked against quality teams in Copa America, losing all 3 games and dropping its last 2 matches against Ecuador and Venezuela by multiple goals. Despite winning or drawing all 4 since, it only had more shots against Cuba.

Considering Jamaica recent struggles, BACK USMNT (+100).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (-173).

Neither side has consistently scored over the last few months. Jamaica scored 1 goal in 3 Copa America games and tallied 4 goals against inferior opponents in its Nations League battles since.

The USMNT have gone Under in 3 straight matches, scoring just 3 goals in those. They have gone Under this total in 6 of their last 8 games.

Considering these trends, TAKE UNDER 2.5 (-173).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=3296]

Christian Pulisic stunned the soccer world with an ‘Olimpico’ goal from a corner in the UEFA Champions League

He scored straight from a CORNER.

Ever since making the move from Chelsea to AC Milan in Italy’s Serie A, Christian Pulisic has enjoyed a much-needed career renaissance. And his unbelievable 2024-25 season has managed to get even better.

Pulisic — now with 10 goal contributions in 11 matches for Milan — had the start in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League match against Belgian side Club Brugge. And though Milan struggled to put pressure on attack for much of the first half, Pulisic broke open the scoring in the most unexpected way.

Literally. He scored a goal straight from a corner kick with a 0.00 xG (expected goals). Even Pulisic was stunned that he pulled off the elusive “Olimpico” goal.

Just wow. You know things are going your way when that finds the back of the net.

Initially, it looked like that the ball may have nicked Matteo Gabbia, but Pulisic was given the goal (his seventh of the season) on the field. And Gabbia’s reaction — going straight to Pulisic — suggested that he didn’t touch the ball.

Understandably, the Olimpico had the soccer world in awe.

This was how Twitter/X reacted

https://twitter.com/rainy_steve/status/1848781444753092980

https://twitter.com/sportsbrain/status/1848779757359665298

https://twitter.com/Nicocantor1/status/1848780481225003191

https://twitter.com/TheBolivianYank/status/1848781635417710624

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=421334705]

Mexico vs. USMNT odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Mexico vs. USMNT odds and lines, with expert soccer picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

Mexico welcomes the USMNT to Estadio Akron in Guadalajara for a friendly Tuesday. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET (TNT / Telemundo / Max). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s soccer odds around the Mexico vs. USMNT odds, and make our best soccer picks and predictions.

The USMNT had their first game under new coach Mauricio Pochettino, and that resulted in a 2-0 win over Panama at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas Saturday. The USMNT played 2 friendlies in September, drawing New Zealand 1-1 in Cincinnati and losing to Canada 2-1 in Kansas City. Those came on the back of a disappointing Copa America, in which the USMNT went 1-0-2 (2 losses) and failed to qualify for the knockout stage.

Mexico was also in Copa America. With a 1-1-1 record, it also failed to qualify for the knockout stage. In those June games, Mexico beat Jamaica 1-0, lost to Venezuela 1-0 and drew Ecuador 0-0. Since, Mexico has beaten New Zealand 3-0 in an international friendly Sept. 7 and drew Canada 0-0 in a friendly Sept. 10. Mexico has played 5 friendlies this season, going 2-2-1.

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

Mexico vs. USMNT odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of soccer odds. Lines last updated Monday at 11:17 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Mexico +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | USMNT +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Draw +220 (bet $100 to win $220)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +130 | U: -190)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

Mexico vs. USMNT picks and predictions

Prediction

USMNT 2, Mexico 2

Moneyline (ML)

BET DRAW (+220).

Mexico and the USMNT have played relatively close games over the last few years. While the USMNT has won a combined 5-0 in its last 2 matches — 2-0 in March and 3-0 in June 2023 — the 2 prior matches were draws.

The last 2 times these teams played in Mexico, they tied  — a 0-0 draw in March 2022 and a 1-1 draw in June 2017. Plus, Mexico has drawn 2 of its last 3 games.

The USMNT has dominated the rivalry recently, but those were at home and not in a hostile environment with a new coach. The Americans have drawn 2 of their last 7 games and have had a one-score difference in 3 of those 7. So, their games have been close recently.

For the value, BACK DRAW (+220).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (+130).

The most enticing play here is the Draw, but taking Over given these odds also presents a reasonable option. The USMNT has gone over this total in 2 of its last 5 matches.

The USMNT totaled 11 shots and allowed 13 against Panama, so it didn’t necessarily heavily limit its opponent. Mexico is 1-1 O/U in its post-Copa America friendlies. In Mexico’s last 4 friendlies, it has gone Over in 3 of them.

Considering these trends, TAKE OVER 2.5 (+130).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=3296]

USMNT vs. Panama odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s USMNT vs. Panama odds and lines, with expert soccer picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The USMNT welcomes Panama to Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, on Saturday. Kickoff in the international friendly is set for 9 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s soccer odds around the USMNT vs. Panama odds, and make our best soccer picks and predictions.

New USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino will make his debut leading the team. The Americans, 18th in the last FIFA rankings, are coming off a disappointing result, drawing New Zealand 1-1 in Cincinnati on Sept. 10. The USMNT’s last tournament resulted in a group stage exodus in Copa America, losing to Panama 2-1 following an 18th-minute red card to F Timothy Weah in 1 of those 3 games.

The Panamanians, who are 37th in the FIFA rankings, have not played since a 5-0 quarterfinal loss to Colombia in Copa América on July 6. They did have a much better tournament showing than the USMNT. Panama lost to Uruguay 3-1, beat the USMNT 2-1, and finished up the group stage with a 3-1 win over Bolivia to qualify for the quarterfinal where they were throttled by Colombia.

The U.S. has an all-time 17-3-7 mark against their Central American counterparts since the 1st meeting in 1993. Following Saturday’s contest, the USA heads to Guadalajara to visit El Tri on Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET.

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

USMNT vs. Panama odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of soccer odds. Lines last updated Friday at 10:58 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: USMNT -210 (bet $210 to win $100) | Panama +525 (bet $100 to win $525) | Draw +320 (bet $100 to win $320)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -125 | U: -115)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

USMNT vs. Panama picks and predictions

Prediction

USMNT 3, Panama 1

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

Many of the top USMNT players should be in action in this game, including star F Christian Pulisic, who could start under his new coach and see 70-plus minutes.

With that excitement should come a result; however, the USMNT are far too expensive to play to win outright. One would find better value in playing that their offense helps push the total Over, which is the suggested route here.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (-125).

If the Panama defense showed anything during Copa America, it is that, against quality opponents, it is going to struggle immensely. It gave up 3 goals to Uruguay to open the tournament and then was eliminated by allowing 5 to Colombia. While its offense was nothing too impressive, it did net 4 goals in the group stage and scored in every game. Each of its 4 Copa America matches went Over this total.

The USMNT should see some new and hopefully improved tactics offensively. They are 2-2 O/U this total in their last 4 games. Their game with Panama went north of this total as 19 shots were tallied. The USMNT has allowed a goal in its last 4 games as well. Considering those trends, take OVER 2.5 (-125).

It might even be worthwhile to consider something on the Alternative Over 3.5 (+196) for a chance to double up.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=3296]

Musah sparks stunning AC Milan comeback vs. Torino with assist

Pulisic overcame an injury to suit up for Milan, but Musah ended up making the bigger impact in a dramatic late comeback

Yunus Musah played a major role as AC Milan escaped a potentially troubling start to the 2024-25 Serie A season.

The U.S. men’s national team midfielder came off the bench to notch an assist in stoppage time as the Rossoneri recovered from a two-goal deficit after 88 minutes to secure a 2-2 draw with Torino.

Saturday’s clash was a debut for new manager Paulo Fonseca, but it looked destined to be an opener to forget for Milan. Malick Thiaw’s 30th-minute own goal seemed to suck the air out of the San Siro, and — moments after a Milan penalty was overturned by VAR — Duvan Zapata made it 2-0 to the visitors.

Fonseca turned to his bench, first giving Spain striker Álvaro Morata his competitive debut before bringing Musah on for his USMNT teammate Christian Pulisic.

Largely setting up at right back, Musah played a major role as Milan conjured up a stunning late escape. Opta credited him with playing a part in a whopping seven shot attempts after entering the match in the 73rd minute.

First, the 21-year-old’s long-range effort eventually became Morata’s first Milan goal. Musah struck with power, only for a Torino defender to provide a block. The rebound fell to Tijjani Reijnders, who fizzed a ball in for the veteran striker to calmly guide home in the 89th minute.

Musah was a bigger factor in the equalizer. Receiving the ball in space on the right, the USMNT midfielder swung in an inch-perfect cross for Noah Okafor, who didn’t have to break stride to volley past Torino’s Vanja Milinković-Savić.

Pulisic, meanwhile, started as Milan’s No. 10 on the day, a possibility Fonseca discussed coming into the season.

While Saturday wasn’t the USMNT star’s best day at the office — his last action of the match was a shot over the bar from point-blank range — it will come as a relief nonetheless. Pulisic was an injury doubt heading into the match, with his status unclear until Milan released its starting lineup on the day.

Watch Musah’s dramatic late assist

[lawrence-related id=80114,80108,79932]

Pulisic returns to full training ahead of AC Milan season opener

The USMNT star is on course to start on Saturday against Torino

AC Milan got some good news on Thursday, as Christian Pulisic returned to full training ahead of the team’s season opener against against Torino on Saturday.

Pulisic was sidelined for Milan’s final preseason friendly due to an ankle knock, as the American was held out of his team’s 3-1 win over Monza on Tuesday.

After the 25-year-old trained separately from his teammates on Wednesday, MilanNews.it reported that he was back in full training the following day, putting him on course to start Saturday’s Serie A opener at San Siro.

Pulisic is likely to start against Torino, but there is still a question over where he will line up. The U.S. national team star was primarily used as a right winger last season, but new coach Paulo Fonseca has indicated his willingness to play Pulisic as the No. 10.

The Pennsylvania native lined up as the No. 10 in preseason, and could be set to reprise that role more often in the upcoming season.

Wherever he plays, Milan will hope that Pulisic can replicate, or improve on a career-best campaign in 2023-24 that saw him tally 15 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

[lawrence-related id=79928,79837,79492]

Pulisic to miss AC Milan’s final preseason friendly with ankle knock

The USMNT star will hope to be ready for Saturday’s Serie A opener

Christian Pulisic will be sidelined for AC Milan’s final preseason friendly with an ankle knock, per multiple reports.

Milan will face Monza on Tuesday for the Silvio Berlusconi Trophy, just days before the Rossoneri kick off the regular season with a league match against Torino on Saturday.

Gazzetta dello Sport and Calciomercato both reported that Pulisic will be held out against Monza, but should be recovered in time for Saturday’s match at San Siro.

Pulisic played in all three of Milan’s matches on its recently completed U.S. tour, coming off the bench against Man City and Real Madrid before starting and scoring a goal against Barcelona.

The 25-year-old will be looking to replicate, or even surpass his outstanding debut season with Milan. Pulisic scored a career-high 15 goals in all competitions last term, adding 11 assists.

Pulisic played mostly as a right winger last season, but new Milan coach Paulo Fonseca has used him in a more central role this preseason.

[lawrence-related id=79492,79097,78923]

Leao: I’d prefer Pulisic to play as a No. 10

The Portuguese star wants to see Pulisic a bit closer to him on the field

Rafael LeĂŁo and Christian Pulisic formed a potent connection with AC Milan last season, but the former is now hoping to see the latter play a bit closer to him on the pitch.

Pulisic had a career-best campaign with Milan in 2023-24, scoring 15 total goals as he lined up on the right flank, while LeĂŁo posed a huge attacking threat on the left flank.

The American star would occasionally be given chances to play more centrally as an attacking playmaker, producing some strong displays in the middle as well.

LeĂŁo would like to see Pulisic get more chances to play in the middle in 2024-25.

“I knew the quality of Christian. When he arrived, I sent him a message and I told him, ‘Bro, let’s kill them,’ because I needed someone like him to bring something different on the pitch,” LeĂŁo told “Futbol Americas” on ESPN.

“I’m very happy to have him as a teammate, he’s a player who can change the game like this,” he added. “I’m happy with him and I expect him to do the same or better this season.”

The Portugal international added: “I’m not a coach, but I prefer Christian as a No. 10. In the middle he has space to go to the left or the right and he shoots very well.

“I think Christian can be very dangerous as a No. 10, but I think he fits well in our team as a 10 or on the right. As a 10 he can give me assists, we can do one-twos in the middle of the pitch 
 he can do whatever.”

LeĂŁo could get his wish in the upcoming campaign, as new Milan coach Paulo Fonseca has said Pulisic is an option for him centrally.

Watch LeĂŁo discuss Pulisic

[lawrence-related id=78923,78850,55192]