Current:Home > BackPulisic scores in AC Milan win, makes USMNT history with Champions League goal for three clubs-InfoLens
Pulisic scores in AC Milan win, makes USMNT history with Champions League goal for three clubs
View Date:2024-12-23 20:19:57
AC Milan needed a hero on Wednesday, and Christian Pulisic did his part.
The U.S. men's national team attacker scored his first Champions League goal (and sixth in all competitions) since a summer transfer to the Serie A giants, sparking a comeback 2-1 win at Newcastle.
The victory kept Milan in European play, though notably not in the Champions League. Paris Saint-Germain's 1-1 draw at Borussia Dortmund meant that both the Rossoneri and PSG finished Group F on eight points.
PSG's 4-2 edge in total goals in head-to-head meetings (Milan won 2-1 in Italy, while PSG claimed a 3-0 triumph in France) means the French giants claimed second place on a tiebreaker, sending Milan to the Europa League.
Milan trailed 1-0 at St. James' Park after Joelinton's powerful strike gave the Magpies a first-half lead. With Milan needing a win to continue in Europe and Newcastle holding the Rossoneri without a shot in the first 45 minutes, things looked grim.
However, Milan got its lifeline through Pulisic in the 59th minute. Rafael Leão, just barely onside, crossed for Fikayo Tomori only for the England center back to mis-hit an attempted finish.
That proved fortuitous, as the ball skewed to Olivier Giroud, and the France striker smartly shuttled the ball to a wide-open Pulisic to finish. Milan's first attempt on goal was also an equalizer.
Pulisic made some USMNT history in the process, becoming the first U.S. player to score a Champions League goal at three different clubs.
Manager Stefano Pioli — facing a desperate situation as Milan hunted the goal needed to claim a win and book a place in Europe for the second half of the season — sent striker Luka Jović on for Pulisic in the 73rd minute.
Given Pulisic's recent form (two goals and an assist in Milan's three matches thus far in December), that decision may have drawn criticism, but Pioli's moves turned out to be masterstrokes.
An 84th minute counter saw Jović and fellow substitute Noah Okafor combine to tee up Samuel Chukwueze — a third sub Pioli threw on in pursuit of a miracle — for a goal that stunned the home fans, sending Milan into the lead.
That dramatic late winner broke Newcastle hearts, but with PSG hanging on for a draw at Signal Iduna Park, it also meant a mixed bag for Milan. Maintaining a place in European competition is undeniably good news, but the Europa League is hardly where Milan wanted to be playing.
veryGood! (614)
Related
- NBPA reaches Kyle Singler’s family after cryptic Instagram video draws concern
- Giuliani won't contest claims he made 'false' statements about election workers
- Miranda Lambert Mourns Death of Her Dog Thelma in Moving Tribute
- Michelle Yeoh marries Jean Todt in Geneva after 19-year engagement
- Katharine Hayhoe’s Post-Election Advice: Fight Fear, Embrace Hope and Work Together
- Hundreds of weapons found as investigators end search of Gilgo Beach murder suspect's home
- Army fire kills a 14-year-old, Palestinians say, as an Israeli minister visits flashpoint mosque
- Manslaughter charges dropped against 7 Oklahoma police officers
- When is 'The Golden Bachelorette' finale? Date, time, where to watch Joan Vassos' big decision
- Manslaughter charges dropped against 7 Oklahoma police officers
Ranking
- Former West Virginia jail officer pleads guilty to civil rights violation in fatal assault on inmate
- Mega Millions jackpot soars to over $1 billion after no winner declared in draw
- Proof Mandy Moore's Sons Have a Bond That's Sweet as Candy
- Kylie Jenner Shows Subtle Support for Jordyn Woods After Their Reunion
- Jessica Simpson's Husband Eric Johnson Steps Out Ringless Amid Split Speculation
- A Patchwork of Transgender Healthcare Laws Push Families Across State Lines
- After K-9 attack on surrendering man, Ohio governor calls for more police training
- Beyoncé's Mom Tina Knowles Files for Divorce From Richard Lawson After 8 Years of Marriage
Recommendation
-
Flurry of contract deals come as railroads, unions see Trump’s election looming over talks
-
Animal sedative 'tranq' worsening overdose crisis as it spreads across the country
-
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh shows again he can't get out of own way with latest misstep
-
Explaining the latest heat-associated deaths confirmed amid record highs in Arizona’s largest county
-
Mike Tyson has lived a wild life. These 10 big moments have defined his career
-
Mangrove forest thrives around what was once Latin America’s largest landfill
-
When does 'Hard Knocks' start? 2023 premiere date, team, what to know before first episode
-
Hundreds of weapons found as investigators end search of Gilgo Beach murder suspect's home