With World Cup Qualifying and the draw done, summer is fast approaching, which means USMNT players’ seasons abroad are coming to a close. Pulisic continues to try and earn Tuchel’s favor, Musah with a devastating loss in the Copa Del Rey final, Pefok shining in Switzerland, and Slonina has other suitors for his national team career.
Americans Abroad: Gabriel Slonina scare, Musah heartbreak, and Pulisic scores
Gabriel Slonina
The 17-year-old goalkeeper continues to lock down at the back for Chicago Fire in MLS. He’s kept five clean sheets in seven matches. However, much to the chagrin of USMNT fans it’s been reported by Tom Bogert that Poland plans to call up Slonina to their national team. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that report, while also adding that Slonina’s priority is to represent the U.S. at the national team level. The post from Fab has eased some of the stress off of potentially losing the player, but nothing is certain yet.
Yunus Musah
Valencia went head to head with Real Betis in the Copa Del Rey final on Saturday, and while he didn’t start, he entered the game in the 100th minute. The match finished 1-1 after extra time and went to penalty kicks. Musah was the 4th taker for Valencia, and in heartbreaking fashion, he skied the penalty. Betis would go on to win 5-4, with Musah’s miss being the deciding factor. Just a devastating moment for the 19 year old.
Christian Pulisic
Pulisic has once again fallen out of Tuchel’s starting eleven, but that doesn’t mean he can’t still make an impact. Christian was subbed on for Chelsea in the 76th minute of a 0-0 match against West Ham. Just moments after Jorginho missed a penalty, Marcos Alonso sent in a low driven cross to a running Christian Pulisic, and he buried it in the back of the net. Game winner, 90th minute. This was the first Premier League goal for Pulisic since March 5th against Burnley, and maybe it’ll help him back into Tuchel’s favor.
Jordan Pefok
Pefok has taken charge of the Golden Boot race in the Swiss Super League. He’s up to 21 goals and 3 assists on the season. That hasn’t translated to USMNT success, but it’s still nice to see him tearing up the league. A move to a more challenging league could benefit Pefok as he tries to be the starting striker at the Qatar World Cup.
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