Friday, September 26, 2025

Pulisic is Red Hot

Winger Has Been in Stellar Form, Scoring Three Goals in the Last Two Matches

Christian Pulisic has established himself as AC Milan's most indispensable player, beginning the 2025-26 season with unprecedented goal-scoring form that has cemented his status as one of Serie A's elite talents. The American forward has already netted five goals across his first six official appearances, surpassing his previous best start of four goals in six matches from last season, demonstrating remarkable consistency and evolution in his attacking output.

Pulisic's versatility remains one of his greatest assets, as he seamlessly adapts to various tactical roles, including winger, attacking midfielder, and false nine, always prioritizing team success over personal positioning. His selfless approach has seen him contribute decisively, whether starting or coming off the bench, with two substitute goals already this campaign, highlighting his ability to impact matches regardless of his role.

The statistics paint a picture of sustained excellence: Pulisic has become the first player to reach 25 goals and 15 assists in Serie A over the past three seasons, while his 14 goals across all competitions since the start of 2025 lead Milan's scoring charts. His recent brace against Udinese and subsequent goal in the Coppa Italia victory over Lecce exemplify his current red-hot form.

Beyond the numbers, Pulisic has developed into a genuine leader within the Milan squad, mastering Italian to better communicate with teammates and consistently displaying professionalism even during periods of squad rotation, earning universal respect throughout the organization.

Zendejas's Late Winner

Winger Came Off the Bench to Score the Late Winner for Club América

Alejandro Zendejas delivered another clutch performance for Club América, scoring a dramatic late winner against Atlético de San Luis that showcased his increasing importance to both the club and his country. The American winger entered the match as a first-half substitute after Rodrigo Aguirre suffered a facial injury in a collision with the San Luis goalkeeper, immediately providing the creative spark that Las Águilas had been missing in what was developing into a frustrating stalemate.

The match at Alfonso Lastras Stadium had all the hallmarks of a typical Liga MX defensive battle, with both teams struggling to create meaningful chances through the first 88 minutes. Coach André Jardine's tactical rotation initially failed to produce results, as his experimental front line couldn't establish the necessary connections to break down a disciplined San Luis defense.

Zendejas changed the complexion of the game with his introduction, creating multiple opportunities and consistently threatening down the flanks alongside fellow substitute Allan Saint-Maximin. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 88th minute when a flicked header from Raúl Zúñiga found Zendejas in space. The 27-year-old cut inside onto his preferred left foot and buried a precise finish to secure all three points for América.

This goal marks Zendejas's fourth consecutive match with a goal contribution, maintaining the exceptional form that has firmly put him in contention for upcoming USMNT roster selections under Mauricio Pochettino's management.

Tessmann Making His Case

Midfielder Scored in Back-to-Back Matches, Including a Stunner in the Europa League

Tanner Tessmann's recent goal-scoring exploits have elevated his profile significantly in European football and brought renewed attention to his USMNT prospects. The American midfielder netted crucial goals for Lyon in consecutive matches, first scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Angers in Ligue 1, where he converted from close range after the goalkeeper initially stopped Martin Satriano's header. This strike helped propel Lyon to the top of the French league table, alongside Monaco, PSG, and Strasbourg, with 12 points.

Tessmann followed this up with another match-winning performance in Lyon's Europa League debut against Utrecht. Coming off the bench in the second half as part of a quadruple substitution, the 24-year-old unleashed a powerful long-range effort that found the net and secured another 1-0 victory for his club. The goal showcased his ability to make an immediate impact and demonstrated the composure and confidence that have characterized his recent performances.

These back-to-back goals represent more than just good form – they're a clear statement to USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino. Having been left out of recent squads for matches against South Korea and Japan, Tessmann's consecutive match-winning performances provide compelling evidence for his inclusion in the upcoming October roster. His consistent goal threat from midfield and ability to influence matches from deep positions make him an increasingly strong candidate for national team selection, particularly as his form suggests he's ready to contribute meaningfully at the international level when given the opportunity.