Christian Pulisic found his scoring touch again as the USA secured a vital 3-2 victory over Senegal, though defensive lapses remain a concern for Mauricio Pochettino.

The United States Men's National Team took a significant step forward in their World Cup preparations with a hard-fought victory over a resilient Senegal side. While the attack showed flashes of brilliance, the match also highlighted several defensive areas that require urgent attention before the tournament begins.

1. Christian Pulisic Snaps Drought In Style

Christian Pulisic finally silenced the critics by ending a 20-game goalless streak for club and country with a composed finish against the Lions of Teranga. After setting up the opener for Sergiño Dest, the AC Milan forward doubled the lead by rounding the keeper, proving that his confidence remained unshaken despite his recent struggles in front of goal.

2. USA Gets Much-Needed Win

Securing a victory in Charlotte was a vital morale boost for a squad that had suffered heavy defeats to Belgium and Portugal earlier this year. Midfielder Tyler Adams noted that winning is a habit the team needs to cultivate, and the sharp performance of the attack suggested that the Americans are peaking at the right time for the summer showcase.

3. . But Defensive Questions Persist

Despite the win, a series of defensive errors allowed Sadio Mané to strike twice and momentarily bring Senegal level. A midfield giveaway by Antonee Robinson and a miscalculation from debutant goalkeeper Chris Brady exposed a lack of cohesion in the backline that Mauricio Pochettino will be desperate to fix before the competitive action starts.

4. Is This Close To Pochettino’s Best Lineup?

Pochettino appears to have narrowed down his core starters, with key figures like Pulisic, Dest, and Adams all featuring heavily in Sunday's tactical setup. While the second half saw ten changes to give the wider squad minutes, the starting XI in Charlotte likely represents the foundation of the team that will face Paraguay in the World Cup opener.

5. Mighty Germany Awaits In USA’s Final Tuneup

The Americans now turn their attention to a high-profile clash with Germany in Chicago, a final test against elite opposition before the real work begins. A victory against the four-time World Cup winners would provide the ultimate "signature" win for this generation, sending them into the tournament with the belief they can compete with anyone.

Follow the Stars and Stripes throughout their journey with more football news on MATCHLINE.