USA Player Ratings vs. Senegal: Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun Stand Out In Win

Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte) – It’s clear who the standout players were on Sunday, when the USA beat Senegal 3-2. Christian Pulisic had an assist before ending his six-month scoring drought with a great finish.

Here’s how I rate the key players from the Americans’ first World Cup tune-up against Senegal.

Starting XI

Turner conceded the goal but was otherwise fine. Facing a one-on-one situation against a player like Sadio Mané, I wouldn’t expect him to make that save.

Freeman was the standout of the back three. He looked really comfortable on the right side of the defense next to McKenzie, with whom I thought he had good chemistry. Also, importantly, he provided good balance and support for Sergiño Dest as he worked on the right wing. 

Dest made a great run for his goal to open the scoring and showed great energy in his role on the right wing. As I mentioned before, I really liked his partnership with Freeman.

Adams did his job during his 45-minute appearance – nothing more, nothing less.

Berhalter filled in for Weston McKennie in midfield and was fine, playing the most minutes of any American on Sunday. I still expect McKennie to be starting next to Adams in manager Mauricio Pochettino’s ideal starting lineup.

Robinson gave the ball away and couldn’t track back in time before Mané’s first goal at the end of the first half. The chemistry between him and Pulisic will be important for this team moving forward.

You can see Reyna’s quality on the pitch. There’s also clearly more to be unlocked.

Pepi worked hard and got his assist on Pulisic’s goal. He can still be cleaner in the box around the goal, though.

Man of the match. Pulisic looked dangerous every time he touched the ball. He got the Americans on the board with a great assist for Dest before taking his goal really well by going around the goalkeeper.

Substitutes

Solid performance but was caught in possession for Mané’s second goal for Senegal.

McKennie will be an impact player and starter for this team come the World Cup. They’re getting him ready for the tournament here.

Weah will play a role this summer on the wing for the Americans. He gives them a different threat in attack with his pace.

Balogun was the USA’s second-best player on the field after Pulisic. He looked a constant threat in the box and got his goal to reward his hard work. For me, he’s the Americans’ clear starting striker at the World Cup.