Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Pulisic raves about U.S. reunion with Wright

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Tuesday, 31 May 2022 16:37

The United States national team's Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie said they're excited to be reunited with former teammate Haji Wright.

Pulisic and Wright played together at the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup, and seven years later now are playing together with the full team ahead of a quartet of games over the next two weeks.

The U.S. will begin its four-game run on Wednesday against Morocco at Cincinnati's TQL Stadium (watch live at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2). That will be followed four days later with a match against Uruguay at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. Then come a pair of CONCACAF Nations League matches, first against Grenada at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, on June 10, followed by a road game against El Salvador four days later.

- Carlisle: U.S. seeks defensive depth after loss of Robinson
- LIVE Wednesday: U.S. hosts Morocco (7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+)

Back when they played together at the U17 World Cup, their roles were similar to what they are now, with Pulisic acting as the playmaker for Wright.

"That was the duo back in the day, me and Haji," Pulisic said during a roundtable with reporters. "We played a lot of games together in the youth national teams. And it's cool to have him back in, first of all, seeing him do so well at club level, and having him in here is great.

"So he's gonna get his opportunity and yeah, I'm just so excited for him. And I know he's going to use the opportunity."

McKennie not only crossed paths with Wright at youth level, but they were teammates at Bundesliga side Schalke 04 from 2017-19. And while Wright had the greater success at youth level, McKennie made bigger inroads at Schalke before moving to Juventus.

"I think it's beautiful," said McKennie about Wright's recall. "I didn't have an easy path through the national team, especially in the youth. We had a bit of a different story at the youth age. And just to see that some players would be knocked down, some players would be [where] their spirit is gone, and I think just for him, finding his own path to get back in here is definitely one that's inspirational and something that I can kind of relate to.

"It's wonderful and exciting just to see him in here, and kind of sharing the same story at the same time."

Wright's meandering path saw him move from Schalke to a loan stint with Sandhausen and then to VVV-Venlo in the Netherlands, and he struggled to find the net at all three stops. He saw his fortunes improve with Danish SuperLiga side SonderjyskE starting in 2020, but it was a loan spell last season with Turkish Super Lig side Antalyaspor -- where he scored 15 goals in 35 league and cup appearances -- that got Wright back in the national team frame.

"I really respect people who haven't necessarily had it easy and given to them and everyone's on their own path," said Pulisic. "I've seen it myself. Ups and downs and to come out the other side and be performing like he is now is impressive."

Read 195 times

Soccer

Van Nistelrooy appointed new Leicester manager

Van Nistelrooy appointed new Leicester manager

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFormer Manchester United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appoi...

'Welcome Back, Emma': A happy, healthy Hayes is ready for Wembley return

'Welcome Back, Emma': A happy, healthy Hayes is ready for Wembley return

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLONDON, England -- United States women's national team head coach E...

The top 50 USWNT players right now: Who sits at No. 1?

The top 50 USWNT players right now: Who sits at No. 1?

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe United States women's national team won a fifth Olympic gold me...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

NBA Cup roundtable: Biggest surprises and disappointments in group play

NBA Cup roundtable: Biggest surprises and disappointments in group play

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWe're officially nearing the end of group play in the 2024 NBA Cup,...

Nuggets' Westbrook fined for obscene gesture

Nuggets' Westbrook fined for obscene gesture

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- The NBA fined Denver guard Russell Westbrook $35,000 on...

Baseball

Dodgers agree to 5-year, $74M deal with Edman

Dodgers agree to 5-year, $74M deal with Edman

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSuper-utility man Tommy Edman and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to...

Dodgers minor leaguer suspended for doping

Dodgers minor leaguer suspended for doping

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Jose D. Hernandez was sus...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated