Pulisic, McKennie form formidable one-two punch
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie are offering hope for the future of U.S. men’s soccer while contributing plenty to its present.
After combining on the lone goal in a 1-0 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal victory over Curacao, the two 20-year-old midfielders will try to help the defending champion United States beat Jamaica in a Wednesday night semifinal. The winner plays for the title Sunday in Chicago against Mexico.
U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter describes Pulisic and McKennie as “two completely different players” whose distinct strengths enable them to complement each other.
“When you look at Christian, he’s a guy that can change a game with his skill, with his ability to find players, his ability to take players on and beat them one (on) one and deliver a final pass,” Berhalter said.
“When you look at Weston, he’s a very physically dynamic player. When you talk about being able to break a man-oriented defense, he can do it singlehandedly. When he gets the ball and starts running, players just can’t catch him.”
Pulisic and McKennie are playing integral roles in helping U.S. soccer turn the page after failing to reach the World Cup last year. They’re vital parts of the U.S. team’s long-term outlook along with Tyler Adams, another 20-yearold midfielder who is missing the Gold Cup because of a groin injury.
Mexico makes Gold Cup final
Raul Jimenez scored on a penalty kick in the 93rd minute, and Mexico ended Haiti’s impressive Gold Cup run in the semifinals with a 1-0 victory on Tuesday night in Glendale, Ariz.
Mexico dominated possession, yet it could not find a way to put the finishing touches in Haiti’s end, allowing Les Grenadiers to hang around and build confidence while playing to a scoreless tie in regulation.
Jimenez was awarded a penalty kick early in the extra time after Herve Bazile took him down at the edge of the penalty box. Jimenez slow-played the penalty kick, slipping it behind Jhony Placide after the Haitian goalie dove to his right to bring the crowd to its feet.
Brazil shuts out Argentina in semi
Brazil beat Argentina 2-0 on Tuesday in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and will play Sunday’s Copa America final at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
The hosts will seek their 10th South American title, while superstar Lionel Messi remains without trophies for his national team.