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Pulisic Scores First Goal of Season for AC Milan
Confirmed
In Short: Christian Pulisic scored his first goal of the season for AC Milan in a 3-0 victory against Lecce on Sunday, Sept. 20, at San Siro.
The goal came after defender Strahinja Pavlovic spotted Pulisic making a run and played a long ball into his path.
Pulisic outran two opponents, took a slick first touch with his right foot, and then used his left foot to beat goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone.
Pulisic's goal marked his first start under new Milan coach Ruben Amorim, who had slowly integrated the winger back into the team after his injury-plagued World Cup.
Pulisic had not scored for Milan since December 2025, but his return to form was evident as he also played a key role in Milan's second goal.
Pulisic's performance came after he notched an assist in a 2-2 draw against Lazio the previous week, where Milan came back from a 2-0 halftime deficit.
Despite his return to the pitch, Pulisic was left off the USMNT roster for their upcoming friendlies in late September and early October.
Pulisic missed much of Milan's preseason due to a bone bruise and microfracture in his right tibia and fibula, suffered during the USMNT's World Cup loss to Belgium.
The USMNT star returned to training in mid-August and was an unused sub for the team's opening three Serie A matches.
Pulisic's return to form is crucial for Milan as they look to build match fitness ahead of a busy season.
Coach Amorim acknowledged that Pulisic is 'upset' but emphasized the importance of playing for Milan and the responsibility that comes with it.
What this adds
Pulisic's goal was a significant moment for both AC Milan and the USMNT, showcasing his return to form after a challenging period.
The match against Lecce marked a positive start for Pulisic under Amorim, who has been gradually reintegrating him into the team.
What's confirmed
- The goal came after defender Strahinja Pavlovic spotted Pulisic making a run and played a long ball into his path.
- Pulisic outran two opponents, took a slick first touch with his right foot, and then used his left foot to beat goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone.
- Pulisic's goal marked his first start under new Milan coach Ruben Amorim, who had slowly integrated the winger back into the team after his injury-plagued World Cup.
- Pulisic had not scored for Milan since December 2025, but his return to form was evident as he also played a key role in Milan's second goal.
- Pulisic's performance came after he notched an assist in a 2-2 draw against Lazio the previous week, where Milan came back from a 2-0 halftime deficit.
- Despite his return to the pitch, Pulisic was left off the USMNT roster for their upcoming friendlies in late September and early October.
- Pulisic missed much of Milan's preseason due to a bone bruise and microfracture in his right tibia and fibula, suffered during the USMNT's World Cup loss to Belgium.
- The USMNT star returned to training in mid-August and was an unused sub for the team's opening three Serie A matches.
- Pulisic's return to form is crucial for Milan as they look to build match fitness ahead of a busy season.
- Coach Amorim acknowledged that Pulisic is 'upset' but emphasized the importance of playing for Milan and the responsibility that comes with it.
What's still developing
- The play began with center back Strahinja Pavlovic scanning the field while deep in Milan's half, weighing his options with a series of teammates in front of him.
- Pulisic has his head turned toward Pavlovic and spots him getting ready to make a long pass, all while the defender realizes the American is in an ideal position to make a run towards goal.
- The match against Lazio marked his first game of the season and with a substitute appearance in a 2-0 loss to Benfica on Wednesday in the UEFA Europa League, the 28-year-old is now building match fitness ahead of a busy season for the Italian club.
- He was omitted from the USMNT's squad for their upcoming friendlies in late September and early October, head coach Mauricio Pochettino instead choosing to oversee a generational shift with 12 uncapped players headlining a roster that also includes 13 members of this summer's World Cup team.
- Pochettino did not comment specifically on Pulisic's inclusion, instead emphasizing that the first post-World Cup friendlies are as good a chance as any to expand the player pool.
- The American forward scored a tremendous goal 14 minutes into his first start of the season, netting the opener in a 3-0 win against Lecce at San Siro on Sunday, Sept. 20.
- His flick set Adrien Rabiot on his way, and Gonçalo Ramos got the assist on the France international's goal.
- Pulisic has come on as a halftime sub in each of the team's past two games, including a standout performance in a 2-2 comeback draw against Lazio on Saturday, Sept.
- McKennie has also had a reduced role at Juventus, while Balogun has yet to establish himself after a disrupted start to his season.
- Pochettino has shaken up the USMNT with 13 uncapped players as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun miss the first 2030 cycle camp.
- The AC Milan attacker only recently returned from a lower-leg injury suffered during the World Cup and has made limited appearances for his club this season.
- USMNT star Pulisic hasn’t yet played a minute in competitive games this season, but Amorim said he’ll return to action tomorrow, although it’s still not clear whether he’ll start.