COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — U.S. men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino called the change in climate between games in Austin and Denver a “massive risk” for his players after star Christian Pulisic left Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Australia in the first half because of a sore hamstring.
“It’s not a criticism, but when you have training days in Austin where it’s (85-95 degrees), then you get to Denver with the altitude and it’s really, really cold – that’s a huge risk,” Pochettino said, while noting that Malik Tillman also didn’t dress for the match after “feeling something” in his hamstring that he also compared to a cramp.
“I don’t want to say that’s why Christian or Malik felt something, but it’s hard for the players. We’re really sad about this situation because it’s difficult. It’s something we need to correct in the future.”
Temperatures in the Denver area fell to a high of 57 F and a low of 43 F earlier this week, according to AccuWeather. Austin, where the USMNT played to a 1-1 draw against Ecuador last Friday, saw a high of 92 F and a low of 69 F on the day.
Pulisic came off midway through the first half after a difficult second tackle from Australian defender Jason Geria. Although he experienced some ankle soreness last week and only played 18 minutes Friday against Ecuador, the treatment he received on the field did not appear to suggest an ankle injury. Pochettino later confirmed it was Pulisic’s hamstring.
“I think he (felt) something in his hamstring,” Pochettino said after the match. “But tomorrow he will fly to Italy, tonight we will evaluate and see. We can’t say (anything) at the moment.”
Geria struck Pulisic first in the 15th minute, as the American star checked the ball from his left attacking position. A pass arrived at Pulisic’s feet, but Geria beat him to it, and Pulisic’s right ankle got stuck between Geria’s legs on the follow-up.
Pulisic remained on the ground for around 30 seconds after that tackle, clutching the ankle, then got up as Pochettino chomped at the referee.
He continued to play, seemingly unfazed by the blow, until the 26th minute, when he passed Geria in transition. As he broke away to run towards the Australian defense, 2 on 2, Geria cut his lower leg from behind.
This time, Pulisic stayed down for a full two minutes. First he buried his face in the grass. Then he turned around and hit the ground once with his left hand. He quickly rose to a sitting position, but waited for two USMNT medical personnel to come tend to his right leg. A minute later, he left the field as Pochettino and assistant coach Jesús Pérez stared blankly at the scene.
Christian Pulisic and Jason Geria fight for the ball during the USMNT friendly match against Australia (David Zalubowski/AP Photo)
As Pulisic reached the touchline, Pochettino appeared to ask one of the staff members and then Pulisic himself: “What happened? What happened?”
Pulisic’s face, hiding apparent frustration, never flinched. After a brief exchange, with blades of grass stuck to his cheek, he took his place on the American bench, while Diego Luna prepared to replace him.
Pulisic stood there for a few minutes as the game continued, and on several occasions he leaned over, visibly upset. On one occasion, backup goalie Matt Turner, sitting to Pulisic’s right, put his left arm around Pulisic and patted him on the back, consoling him.
Shortly after, Pulisic got up and walked towards the locker room accompanied by two USMNT staff members. As he approached a gate in the infield portion of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Wright scored to bring the United States level. Pulisic heard a crowd of around 18,000 roar; he turned around, raised his fists and clapped. Then he continued through a door and out of sight.
“Yes, it was disappointing to see him leave with a hamstring injury,” said midfielder Cristian Roldan, who assisted on both of Haji Wright’s goals on Tuesday night. “It’s not easy, especially with how good he has been throughout the year with AC Milan. What we want to see from him is that he plays regular games and continues at a good pace so that he arrives at the World Cup in a good position. return to the ground.”
Pulisic, who is tied for the Serie A goals lead, will return to AC Milan this week, although it is unclear whether he will be fit for Sunday’s match against Fiorentina.
