Sophia
USMNT star Christian Pulisic delivered a sensational performance for AC Milan on Saturday, scoring two goals and providing an assist in a commanding 3–0 win over Udinese in Serie A action. This remarkable outing not only propelled Milan to victory but also saw Pulisic achieve significant milestones, solidifying his status as one of America’s premier talents in European football.
A Historic Milestone for the American Ace
With his three goal involvements against Udinese, Pulisic etched his name into the Serie A record books. He became the first player in the last three Serie A seasons to reach at least 25 goals and 15 assists, boasting an impressive tally of 25 goals and 17 assists for AC Milan. This extraordinary consistency highlights his pivotal role in the Rossoneri’s attacking prowess.
Early Impact and Opening Goal
The Pennsylvania native was involved from the whistle, but it was in the 40th minute that he broke the deadlock. Pulisic showcased his dynamism, cutting through midfield before laying off the ball to Pervis Estupiñán. When Estupiñán’s shot rebounded, Pulisic was perfectly positioned to slot home the opening goal with clinical precision. This early strike set the tone for Milan’s dominant display.
Assist and Second Goal Seal Dominance
Pulisic continued to influence the game after halftime, picking up his assist in the 47th minute. Demonstrating relentless pressing, he chased down and dispossessed Jesper Karlström before setting up Youssouf Fofana for a tidy finish inside the box. Less than ten minutes later, in the 53rd minute, Pulisic completed his brace. Receiving a pass from Adrien Rabiot, he unleashed a powerful, low-driven shot that found the back of the net, leaving goalkeeper Răzvan Sava with little chance.
An American Rarity in European Football
Beyond his Serie A milestone, Pulisic’s performance marked another rare achievement. He became only the second U.S. Men’s National Team player in the last 20 years to score two goals and provide an assist in a top-five European league match. The only other player to accomplish this feat was Jordan Pefok for Rennes against Nîmes in Ligue 1 back in 2018. This statistic underscores the exceptional nature of Pulisic’s outing and his growing influence on the European stage.
Beyond the Goal Contributions
Pulisic’s impact extended beyond his direct goal contributions. He was actively involved across the pitch, recording 46 touches, winning four tackles, and completing an impressive 23 of his 26 attempted passes. This all-around performance highlights his work rate and technical proficiency, making him a complete player for AC Milan.
Sustained Stellar Form
This stellar performance is a continuation of Pulisic’s excellent run of form, with four goals and two assists in his last seven matches across appearances for both AC Milan and the USMNT. The 27-year-old is clearly thriving, demonstrating the confidence and skill that have made him a fan favorite.
Upcoming Challenges and World Cup Preparations
Pulisic will be back on the pitch with Milan on September 23rd against Lecce in the Coppa Italia, where he will look to maintain his momentum. Following his club duties, he is expected to rejoin the USMNT for October friendlies against Ecuador and Australia as preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensify. His current form will be crucial for both club and country as they navigate important fixtures.
Ben Steiner is an American-Canadian journalist who brings in-depth experience, having covered the North American national teams, MLS, CPL, NWSL, NSL and Liga MX for prominent outlets, including MLSsoccer.com, CBC Sports, and OneSoccer. Follow BenSteiner00
