Pulisic’s 69th minute strike gives USMNT 1-0 lead over New Zealand

After a disappointing showing in this past summer’s Copa America as the host nation, a new era is on the horizon for the United States men’s national soccer team.However, that horizon will not quite have been reached come Tuesday night, when the USMNT and New Zealand face off for the first time since 2016 in the U.S.’ fifth-ever trip to the Queen City.Half an hour before kickoff, the U.S. announced the official hiring of Mauricio Pochettino, who has managed at big-name European clubs such as Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.However, he’s not in attendance today and it’ll be interim Mikey Varas helming the U.S.Cincinnati has been kind to the U.S., with the Stars and Stripes having gone 2-1-1 in their four previous games, and are unbeaten in their last three, all of which have been contested at TQL Stadium.The U.S. even won the one “draw” game, beating Canada in penalty kicks last summer in the quarterfinals of the Gold Cup.After a 2-1 loss this past weekend, the U.S. will look to get back into the W column – something it hasn’t done in three matches across all competitions.Follow along with this story as we’ll have live in-match updates for tonight’s friendly against the Kiwis. For up-to-the-minute updates, be sure you’re giving me a follow over on X (formerly known as Twitter). 69′ – 1-0, USMNTYou almost knew as soon as the sub was made that it was going to happen, but Christian Pulisic has netted the game’s first official goal in the 69th minute.Some quick touches from the right side of the field allowed Pulisic to run in from midfield. Folarin Balogun settled at the top of the box and found Pulisic undefended to his left.Once the pass was made, the U.S. No. 10 took two touches to dribble in and buried it to the far post, past Crocombe.1-0, USMNT.60′ – 0-0We remain scoreless, but the officials have been busy! Three yellow cards have been shown since play resumed, two to New Zealand and one to the U.S.’s Luca de la Torre.He was guilty of grabbing the shirt of Matthew Garbett as he attempted to turn up field in transition.Another substitution for the USMNT – Christian Pulisic. Upon his entry, the U.S. have played with a bit more pace, especially in the attacking third of the field.45′ – 0-0The second half is underway, with a halftime change for the USMNT: Luca de la Torre is on, in place of Yunus Musah.HALFTIME- Untied States 0 – New Zealand 0Halftime at TQL in a game dominated, possession wise, by the US – 66.5% to 33.5%. The US also have the advantage on shot attempts and possess the game’s only corner kick.The goal taken off the scoreboard in the 20th minute looms large as the possible decider right now.40′ – 0-0Well, we’ve certainly had some fireworks over the last few minutes, but we remain scoreless.In the 32nd minute, the U.S. won the game’s first set piece, a corner kick, after an aggressive tackle from NZ’s Elijah Just knocked down Brenden Aaronson in the penalty area and knocked the ball out of bounds.In the 36th minute, the US registered their best chance on goal that didn’t result in a goal being taken off the board.Yunus Musah sailed the ball to Marion Fossey from midfield, who found a Ricardo Pepi (the would-be goal scorer earlier in the half) inside the box. A dribbler of a shot went over the foot of Crocombe, but sailed just past the goal post and went out of play.Then, a minute later, Aaronson was tackled hard by Alex Rufer to try and stop him from having a clean break to the goal.Aaronson stayed down on the turf for a minute or two, and USMNT training staff began to rush towards him, but he got up and has continued to play.We may have no score, but the action is at least picking up a bit.20′, 0-0We nearly had our first goal of the match, but it was taken off the board, and rather late at that.Quick feet from the U.S. in the penalty area kept a ball alive that looked like was destined for a New Zealand clearance. It settled with Marlon Fossey, who quick-tapped it to Ricardo Pepi, who dribbled to Crocombe’s left and went far corner.However, the celebration was short lived, as the ball was ordered back to the NZ keeper instead of at midfield for a restart kickoff.So all of the excitement of a goal without one going on the scoreboard.We stand 0-0.15′, 0-0I can’t lie, it’s been a slow roll to this point, with neither team having too many great chances.By my unofficial count, there’s been one good chance a side.New Zealand’s came in the 2nd minute, when U.S. midfielder Yunus Musah couldn’t settle a pass from Aiden Morris and an All White got a foot on the ball, but sailed it over the crossbar.Two minutes latter came the U.S.’ best early chance. Brenden Aaronson timed a pass perfectly up with Haij Wright, who slid by Tim Payne to remain on side but be the only person equal to the ball, but the pass was just too strong and New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe was able to pounce on it before Wright could put a boot on the ball.Officially, NZ is credited with three early shot attempts and the U.S. has 0.Kickoff – 0’The USMNT and All Whites are underway from TQL!Pregame and Lineups The last time the U.S. played in TQL, it was a Gold Cup thriller. Four goals were scored, all after the 80th minute, and it went five rounds of penalty kicks as the USMNT beat Canada.Tonight, the vibes will be a little different: The squad is a lot fresher, with seven members of the U.S.’ starting XI having made 25 or fewer national team appearances, but some veterans will be in the lineup as well, most notably Matt Turner in goal.With no major competitions to prepare for, this is the prefect time to let the kids get some run, though some of the bigger names – Christian Pulisic, Caleb Wiley, Tim Ream, etc. – are available off the bench tonight.Here’s how the U.S. do line up.Here’s how New Zealand – henceforth known as the All Whites – will line up.For more pregame reading, our full, fleshed-out preview can be read here.Sit back, follow along on TNT or Peacock and lets have a fun Tuesday night together.