Is there cause for concern regarding Pulisic’s lack of goals for the USMNT?

ATLANTA — The day prior to the United States men’s national team’s 2-0 defeat against Portugal, head coach Mauricio Pochettino indicated that he might consider implementing some tactical adjustments to assist star forward Christian Pulisic in overcoming a prolonged scoring drought and regaining some lost confidence.

“Perhaps we can assist a little bit to [get him] a bit closer to the goal,” he stated.

The coach was speaking in a literal sense. Pulisic was positioned as a center-forward on Tuesday and was supported by familiar teammates Weston McKennie and Tim Weah, who provided him with passes. He received more passes than any other U.S. attacker in the first half and engaged in seven ground duels, the highest on the team. However, he only succeeded in winning one of those duels, and despite forcing a couple of saves from Portugal goalkeeper José Sá, he remained scoreless once more.

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This marked Pulisic’s eighth consecutive match for the national team without a goal, the longest drought of his career, and by the time he has another chance, at least 18 months will have elapsed since his last goal for the U.S. Growing increasingly frustrated as the first half progressed, the AC Milan player committed a few fouls and received a yellow card before the break. He was substituted after 45 minutes.

“We managed to create opportunities, which if I convert, which I know I will, then things will be a bit different,” Pulisic remarked following the match.

Pulisic’s difficulties — along with a goal from Portugal in the 37th minute following a turnover by McKennie and a precise passing sequence from Vitinha to Bruno Fernandes to Francisco Trincão — overshadowed another commendable first-half display in which the U.S. attempted eight shots compared to Portugal’s three and generated 0.45 xG against Portugal’s 0.26. The U.S. also had more touches in the box.

Neither team fielded their complete first-choice lineup, but in the second half, Portugal’s significant depth advantage became evident. While Patrick Agyemang (Derby County), Tanner Tessmann (Lyon), and Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew) came on for the U.S., Portugal coach Roberto Martinez was able to introduce Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), João Félix (Al Nassr), and Francisco Conceição (Juventus), among others.

Mendes, regarded as one of the top left backs globally, quickly tested Alex Freeman down the Americans’ right flank, and after Freeman conceded a corner, a wide-open João Félix scored Portugal’s second goal — both assisted by Fernandes — in the 59th minute. At that juncture, the match was effectively decided.

The March international window preceding a World Cup is particularly unusual. The U.S. arranged matches against formidable opponents in Belgium and Portugal, aware that the outcomes would significantly influence perceptions and narratives leading into the summer. It is reasonable to conclude that two losses by a combined score of 7-2 will certainly shape discussions in the coming weeks.

Simultaneously, there is a reason why Portugal’s manager Martinez referred to team evaluations in March as “worthless” earlier in the week. With several potential World Cup starters sidelined due to minor injuries and numerous roster spots still available, Pochettino required further insights from many of the 24 players who participated in the two matches. What did he observe?

• Malik Tillman created five chances in 138 minutes while alternating between a central attacking midfield position (against Belgium) and the left wing (against Portugal). He generated only two shot attempts for himself, with one on target.

• McKennie scored from a set piece against Belgium and had another excellent opportunity early against Portugal, which he sent wide. He was less effective in the second match, and his turnover near midfield led to Portugal’s first goal.

• Defender Auston Trusty played nearly the entire match against Portugal and won five of seven duels. He was generally stable defensively, although one could argue that he dropped back too far on Portugal’s first goal, allowing Trincão space for an open shot.

• After facing challenges at right back against Jérémy Doku and Belgium, Weah emerged as the team’s most threatening attacker against Portugal, executing six progressive carries (the most on the team) and delivering two dangerous crosses.

• Aidan Morris and Sebastian Berhalter were given significant chances, starting against a strong Portuguese midfield. Morris, known for his duel-winning ability, won a couple of duels and made seven defensive interventions, while each player completed four progressive passes.

• Freeman played 79 minutes on Tuesday and won four of seven duels, although he faced considerable challenges from Nunes in the second half.

• Agyemang was largely quiet against Portugal but was a standout against Belgium, scoring late in the match.

For the moment, however, the most notable impression comes from Pulisic. The 27-year-old has now gone 14 matches for club and country without scoring, marking his longest drought since 2022.

“Physically I feel really good, feel really sharp and I’m doing a lot of positive things,” Pulisic stated. “I need to assist my team in creating assists and scoring goals. Obviously, when I fail to do that, it’s frustrating, but I believe I’m close and that positive outcomes are on the horizon.”

He will now return to Milan as they strive to climb from second place in Serie A.

That leaves two teams relying on his return to form.