United States National Football

Former U.S. men's national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann has commented on the state of the Stars and Stripes, saying it leaves him "very sad" to see the side go through such a rough spell.

In an interview with ESPN FC, the Hertha Berlin manager talked about the infamous loss to Trinidad & Tobago in 2017 that saw them miss out on the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the effects it had on the program:

"So what happened now the last two or three years is very sad. It's really sad because the team belonged [in] Russia. They belonged in the World Cup. The qualification was pretty much done, and then it happened, the big disaster in Trinidad which no one could ever have imagined.

"So this threw back the whole national team program for many years because now there is a lack of belief, there is a lack of enthusiasm, there is a lack of leadership. So it's a very difficult job now that Gregg Berhalter has on his hands to rebuild an entire program when we were actually in a good place.

"As I said, I'd take that team in Russia to the final eight, maybe even the final four because there was a building block there and there was a plan for it, and the plan got interrupted and it got even more interrupted when the U.S. didn't qualify for Russia.

"So hopefully they get it back on track, and I keep my fingers crossed for Gregg that he gets all the support he needs to get it on the right track."

Bruce Arena replaced Klinsmann in 2016, with the team at the bottom of the qualification table at the time.

Arena got the team in a position to qualify, needing a draw against the Soca Warriors on the final matchday to advance to the World Cup. The Americans lost 2-1 in one of the worst days in team history, however:

Arena resigned shortly after, and Gregg Berhalter was selected as his replacement after a lengthy search. The team had an inconsistent run during 2019, losing to Mexico in the Gold Cup final and winning the Nations League Group A.

Klinsmann spent more than five years in charge of the team, achieving some remarkable success in that span. The Stars and Stripes won the 2013 Gold Cup, and during the 2014 World Cup, they qualified from the "Group of Death" ahead of Portugal and Ghana and behind Germany.

In the round of 16, they pushed Belgium all the way but eventually lost in extra time:

The USMNT also finished fourth at the 2016 Copa America.

Klinsmann returned to coaching in November 2019, taking over Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin. The team has yet to taste defeat since he took charge and have climbed out of the relegation zone.

Klinsmann also spoke about USMNT star and Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic, urging fans to be patient with the 21-year-old.  

The former Borussia Dortmund star is the biggest star in American football right now, but he has struggled for consistency since joining the Blues. He hasn't scored since the 2-2 draw against Valencia in November.

Ajax right-back Sergino Dest sat down for a Bleacher Report AMA on Monday to talk about his decision to represent the United States instead of his native Netherlands at international level.

He also cast his vote in the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo debate and revealed his ambition to be a movie star. 

Here is a look at the best parts from Monday's session with the 19-year-old. 

                       

@Jkogan13: What was the main reason you chose to play for the U.S. over the Netherlands? What’s been the best part about being with the U.S. in your short time with the team so far?

Sergino Dest: The U.S. It's a feeling, and I listened to my feeling. The first game we won against Canada. 

     

@Mikey_emouna: Can we bring the World Cup home?

Dest: I’ll try my best.

         

@11Av: What USMNT teammate would you like to play with at club level?

Dest: [Christian] Pulisic.

          

@Joshunbias: Did the prospect of playing in the senior team with U20 teammates such as [Chris] Gloster, [Richie] Ledezma, [Alex] Mendez, [Chris] Richards influence your decision to play for USMNT?

Dest: No.

     

@Linnski: If you could have been anything besides a footballer, what would you have chosen?

Dest: Actor. I would have liked to save the world in action movies. Shooting bad guys. I'd love to be the main actor in a movie. That’s a dream for me.

     

@VictorVazquez: [Lionel] Messi or [Cristiano] Ronaldo?

Dest: Messi.

    

@Ldeez: LeBron [James] or [Michael] Jordan?

Dest: Jordan.

     

@BballGiant32: Hey, Sergino—big fan of yours; thanks for choosing USMNT. Do you have a favourite musical artist?

Dest: Drake.

     

@Huh420: What’s your New Year’s resolution?

Dest: Achieve more than before.

     

@CR7GOAT7: Did you always dream of playing for Ajax?

Dest: Yes. Since I arrived.

    

@JoseMourinho0: Would you play for Tottenham? Please??

Dest: Maybe in the future.

     

@Sgeo250: Do you see yourself playing in the Premier League in the future?

Dest: Yeah.

     

@Sabastiano: Who is/was your favourite English club growing up and why?

Dest: Liverpool.

     

@Biggie2210: Besides Ajax, which other team do you use most on FIFA?

Dest: PSG, because of Neymar and [Kylian] Mbappe.

     

@Aguerooooooooo: FIFA or PES?

Dest: FIFA.

             

@Lwilso6679: What do you think about your FIFA overall rating being 70?

Dest: For now, it’s a little low but should be 73. But it’s going to grow for sure.

     

@Beachu2: If you could play alongside anybody, who would it be?

Dest: Ronaldinho—the flair and control.

     

@Joshschaffner: Who is the best player you have played against?

Dest: Don’t know.

     

@Mikey_emouna: Who is the best player you’ve played with?

Dest: Don’t know.

     

@Supremesavage66: Favourite NBA team?

Dest: Lakers.

     

@RobMFriend: Who’ve you got for NBA’s MVP this season?

Dest: LeBron.

    

@KJ11: What is your Super Bowl prediction this year?

Dest: I don’t follow it.

     

@The_Future1: Do you see yourself playing as a right-back, left-back or winger for the national team?

Dest: It doesn’t matter for me.

     

@Jwhite0715: When did you first know you wanted to play at right-back?

Dest: One coach put me at right-back, and it was so easy for me. So at that moment, I stayed playing, and that gives me the best potential.

     

@Hcosborn5: What was it like going against Pulisic in the Champions League group-stage game?

Dest: It’s nice because he’s a team-mate, but we didn’t talk about that game.

      

@Biggie2210: Who would you like to see get called into the next USMNT camp with you?

Dest: Chris Richards, Bayern Munich.

       

@Sidshapiro: Who did you model your playing style after as a kid?

Dest: Ronaldinho, of course.

     

@FuzzyKnuckles: Who do you get along with most in the USMNT camp? Youth or senior level.

Dest: In the youth team, I hung out with Konrad [de la Fuente].

     

@Jcaplan11: What is it like training with special players like [Hakim] Ziyech, [Dusan] Tadic, [Quincy] Promes, etc. every day?

Dest: It’s always nice because you learn a lot from them, and you can see how far you are from them and if you can compete with them.

     

@Hcosborn5: What was the biggest challenge making the jump to the Ajax first team?

Dest: The biggest challenge and difference is focus. It's mentally not easy to be focussed all the time. But we have to.

     

@NickAllen18: How does it feel to have worked from the time you were little to have made the breakthrough for both the USMNT and Ajax first team?

Dest: It feels amazing. No words.

     

@Cardiaccat1: Do you feel like it’s necessary to be multilingual to establish a chemistry within the squad?

Dest: I don't know. It might help, but soccer is its own language.

      

@JoshSargentGOAT: Would Konrad de la Fuente be a starter on a team like the San Jose Earthquakes if he was here in MLS?

Dest: Yeah, I think so.

      

@Cheech31: Can you see yourself wanting to play in MLS one day?

Dest: Yes. 

      

@Ilievillota: Are you going to play for NYCFC one day?

Dest: Maybe, New York is my favourite city in the U.S., so maybe one day.

      

@Jerrycasasola: What was your first big purchase?

Dest: Louis Vuitton bag.

      

@Sgeo250: What song do you listen to to hype you before a big game?

Dest: I don’t know. 

      

@Alexgt2030: What are the goals for yourself as a professional footballer?

Dest: Achieve as much out of my potential.

United States Soccer has announced a scheduled training camp for the men's team in Qatar has been postponed because of the "developing situation" in the Middle East.

The federation released a statement on its website, saying it will look to rearrange the team's training camp plans as a result:

"Due to the developing situation in the region, U.S. Soccer has decided to postpone traveling to Qatar for the Men's National Team's scheduled January training camp. In the meantime, we are working on alternative arrangements in preparation for the match against Costa Rica on February 1 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

"We are working with the Qatar Football Association to find an opportunity in the near future for our team to experience Qatar's world-class facilities and hospitality."

The camp was initially scheduled to take place in Doha between January 5 and 25. However, an airstrike from United States forces on Baghdad airport in Iraq resulted in the death of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani on Friday. Soleimani was the commander of Iran's Quds Force, and following his death, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani posted on Twitter that the country "will take revenge for this heinous crime."

The USSF announced on Friday the training camp is set to take place in Bradenton, Florida, per Steven Goff of the Washington Post.

The United States men's national team cruised to a 4-0 win over Cuba in the CONCACAF Nations League on Tuesday at Truman Bodden Sports Complex in George Town, Cayman Islands. 

The victory propels the U.S. into the top spot in Group A and through to the semifinals of the Nations League.

FT | That’ll do it!

With tonight’s win against 🇨🇺, the #USMNT advances to the @CNationsLeague Knockout Round. pic.twitter.com/lZieUTlqXG

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) November 20, 2019

Josh Sargent scored the opener 36 seconds into the first half for the United States and netted a second goal in the 66th minute. Jordan Morris had a brace as well before getting subbed off to start the second half.

The United States gained a measure of revenge in its last match, beating Canada 4-1 last Friday. The final score gave the U.S. a superior goal difference to Canada, which meant the USMNT owned the head-to-head tiebreaker if it finished level with the Canadians on points.

Morris knew the squad couldn't afford to look past Cuba, no matter how much Tuesday's match was one-sided on paper.

"The job's not done," he said following the win over Canada. "We can enjoy this, but tomorrow we focus on how we can do better and how we can beat Cuba."

Cuba hardly had time to settle into the game before it was staring at a one-goal deficit.

The USMNT get going early! ⏱

Josh Sargent bundles the ball over the line inside the first minute for the 1-0 lead. #CUBvUSA pic.twitter.com/TgcAJuT8Sn

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 20, 2019

It was the second straight match in which the United States scored inside the opening minute against Cuba. Weston McKennie put the U.S. ahead 1-0 with 30 seconds elapsed on Oct. 11.

Morris doubled the United States' lead in the 26th minute and added his second goal in the 39th minute.

Jordan Morris doubles the lead!

He's now got 4 goals and 4 assists in his last 5 USMNT games. 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/YjrmJdoecr

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 20, 2019

The score was an accurate illustration of the gulf between the United States and Cuba, but it was anything but a peerless performance from Gregg Berhalter's squad.

The early goal allowed the U.S. to take its foot off the gas a bit, and the playing conditions made it almost impossible to string multiple passes together for an attacking move forward.

If anyone ever complains to me about a soccer playing surface again, I'm going to reference this Cuba-USMNT match, which is apparently being played on a junior high lacrosse field.

— Collin (@cmccollo) November 20, 2019

Cuba's usual home stadium, the Estadio Pedro Marrero in Havana, failed the CONCACAF inspection. That left the country scrambling for a replacement venue, and the Cayman Islands were the alternative.

Good to see how supportive they are of the hammer throw in the Cayman Islands. pic.twitter.com/ojF7fEqzQ5

— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) November 20, 2019

Especially with the playing surface in less than ideal shape, mitigating the risk of an injury was the primary directive for Berhalter and his players in the second half.

Amid a string of disappointing results—none more so the 2-0 defeat to Canada on Oct. 15—Berhalter was starting to feel the pressure a bit despite being just shy of one full year into the job.

Beating Canada and then securing a first-place finish in Group A provides the United States with a little momentum heading into 2020 while still leaving the team with plenty of questions to answer.

         

What's Next?

The Nations League knockout round begins in June 2020. The USMNT awaits the result of Mexico's match with Bermuda to know its semifinal opponent.

The United States are just one step away from advancing to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League. A win over Cuba on Tuesday would seal their place in the next round.

The Stars and Stripes sit in second place in Group A but can pass Canada by winning their final match. Cuba have lost all three of their matches so far.

Kick-off in the Cayman Islands will be at 7:30 p.m. ET/12:30 a.m. GMT (Wednesday). Univision will broadcast the match to American fans.

The United States put themselves in position to advance to the semi-finals by beating Canada 4-1 in their last match:

It was a big statement from a team who had come under fire since losing to their northern neighbours in their first Nations League meeting in Toronto. That loss now looks like little more than a blip on the radar.

While it wasn't a perfect outing, Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl saw progress:

Column: That was better from the USMNT, but beating Canada at home shouldn't ever be a big deal. A lot more work lies ahead. https://t.co/xTshA2GINb

— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) November 16, 2019

ESPN's Taylor Twellman wants the team to be better in possession moving forward:

When you see 37% possession vs 🇨🇦 and you then watch these moments, you can understand why I still have questions for #USMNT. We touched a bit of this at halftime with @iandarke pic.twitter.com/O7ai7NGtnR

— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) November 16, 2019

They should have no problems doing that against Cuba, the clear minnows in Group A. The Lions have lost all three of their matches so far, not scoring a single goal in the process.

Their worst loss of the campaign came in Washington:

Locking up a semi-final spot is key, but against an overmatched Cuban side, coach Gregg Berhalter could opt to take a few risks with his team selection. There were a couple of surprises in his starting XI against Canada―Josh Sargent and Tyler Boyd were on the bench―and that strategy worked wonders in Orlando.

With Cuba not presenting much of a threat in attack, Matt Turner could earn his first cap in goal. Brad Guzan has been a reliable presence between the sticks but had little to do against the Canadians.

DeAndre Yedlin could spell Sergino Dest, who already put in a strong 90 minutes against Canada, and John Brooks also deserves some rest in defence, with Walker Zimmerman a possible replacement.

Sargent and Boyd could feast on the suspect Cuban defence. Whoever gets the nod in attack will have plenty of opportunities to add to their international tally.

Prediction: Cuba 0-4 USA

Team USA exacted revenge against Canada in the 2019 CONCACAF Nations League with a 4-1 victory at Exploria Stadium in Orlando.

Gyasi Zardes was the offensive standout for America with two goals in the win. Jordan Morris and Aaron Long also scored for the U.S.

The Canadians shocked the United States 2-0 in their previous Nations League matchup last month. It marked the first time since 1985 that the team toppled the Americans. 

Head coach Gregg Berhalter didn't hold back the criticism of his team following that game. 

"Give [Canada] credit, but having said that, the minimum we expect is to match that. We need to compete on every single play in games like that, and that's important," he told reporters. "I don't think it was lack of effort, I don't think it was purposeful, but I wasn't happy with the desire that we displayed."

If there was a lack of effort or desire in October, Team USA put their best foot forward in the rematch. They did that despite having to use a much-changed roster this time around with Christian Pulisic (hip), Zack Steffen (knee) and Michael Bradley (ankle) unavailable due to injuries. 

Friday's game was dominated by the U.S. from the start with Morris beating Canada goalie Milan Borjan in the second minute:

Dream start for @USMNT 🇺🇸 ! Jordan Morris scores the opening goal in second minute! 💥#CNL #FollowTheDream pic.twitter.com/HhbyzZotCw

— Concacaf Nations League (@CNationsLeague) November 16, 2019

Morris couldn't have scripted a better week for himself. The 25-year-old returned to Team USA just five days removed from winning an MLS Cup with the Seattle Sounders. He didn't show any signs of fatigue for the national squad. 

Jordan Morris is BALLING tonight. He's been in outstanding form for a while now, and tonight you see the confidence in attack. The surging runs, the smart decisions, the relentlessness.

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) November 16, 2019

Easy to say this after the 1st half, but Jordan Morris deserves and needs a move to Europe. He’s a solid soccer player that contributes nearly every time he’s given an opportunity.

— Drew Bremer (@BremerDrew16) November 16, 2019

Jordan Morris is really good, folks. It's okay to admit it and be happy about it.

— Stars and Stripes FC (@StarsStripesFC) November 16, 2019

Morris wasn't done contributing to the offense after the opening score. He had a beautiful set-up pass on Zardes' goal in the 23rd minute:

Jordan Morris ➡️ Gyasi Zardes ➡️ GOAL ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/KIh9qyEJvF

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 16, 2019

The first-half barrage was capped off 11 minutes later when Long put one in the back of the net off of a free kick by Tim Ream. 

He rises high and nods it HOME!

Watch as @A_Lolo12 sends the #USMNT into halftime with a 3-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/XdG6JkAKkk

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) November 16, 2019

USMNT mood after taking a 3-0 lead against Canada after 34 minutes 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/f6Gf0iICuv

— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 16, 2019

This was a step in the right direction for Berhalter and the United States with plenty of work still remaining. The U.S. entered Friday with a 1-0-1 record and six points behind Canada in Group A with two games left in group play. 

The three-goal win did give America the best goal difference in the group (+8) over Canada (+6). Team USA will need a victory over Cuba in Group A's final match to win and advance to the semifinals. 

    

What's Next?

Team USA will wrap up play in Group A against Cuba on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1. 

The United States men's national team will have the chance to gain revenge over Canada when the two sides meet in the CONCACAF Nations League on Friday.

The last clash between the teams was a historic one, with Canada's victory in October the team's first in 34 years over the United States. It was also their third win in succession in the competition, having earned back-to-back wins over Cuba previously.

At the Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida, the USMNT will be hoping to eradicate some memories of October's shock loss in Toronto. However, with form inconsistent since Gregg Berhalter took over 11 months ago, the visitors will be confident of making it back-to-back successes.

       

Date: Friday, November 15

Time: 7 p.m. (ET), 12 p.m. (GMT)

TV Info: ESPN 2 (U.S.)

Live Stream: floFC, Univision NOW and fuboTV (U.S)

     

Odds

USMNT win (-190)

Draw (+280)

Canada win (+425)

Odds courtesy of Sports Betting Dime.

     

Preview

Although there was a lot of focus on the poor performance of the USMNT when the two teams last met, the win for Canada was indicative of the progress being made by the team.

Here are the highlights from that memorable night for the side at BMO Field:

John Herdman's team are making encouraging strides. Not only have they won their three matches in the Nations League, they are now into a top-six spot in the CONCACAF rankings. If they remain there, they will be in the Hexagonal for FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifying.

They need to ensure they are in that position in June 2020 to make it into that qualifying competition, and their manager has stressed the importance of form until that date:

“Every #CANMNT game from now until June 2020 is massive, so we are motivated & focused to get better every camp. If we keep improving, we believe that we can qualify for the Hex & that’s all that matters to us at this stage.”
🎙️ Coach John Herdman
SQUAD https://t.co/XPvuGKazAa pic.twitter.com/TIiFNhs1ly

— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) November 8, 2019

Based on the way they've played recently, they will fancy their chances of holding off the likes of El Salvador, Curacao and Panama behind them.

Although there are still deficiencies in the team, Canada are incisive when they click in attack, with the 19-year-old duo of Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies getting supporters excited.

The latter has already showed what he can do for Canada—he has five goals in 16 appearances—and is beginning to make waves in the Bundesliga too. 

Per Stu Holden of Fox Soccer, Davies was a dominant presence for Bayern Munich at left-back in the 4-0 win over Borussia Dortmund recently:

https://twitter.com/stuholden/status/1193976856661254144

While the mood is positive around the Canadian camp, there is uncertainty surrounding the USMNT,, and the pressure will be on them in Florida on Friday.

Berhalter received a lot of criticism for the nature of the team's display against Canada, and he will be desperate for a response from his players. The task will be made all the more difficult by the absence of star man Christian Pulisic, though.

While the Chelsea forward wasn't in the best form before the previous international break, he's improved markedly since:

Hazard vs. Pulisic so far this season 👀

Two new clubs. Two very different starts. pic.twitter.com/73rLXR9ycm

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 9, 2019

With Pulisic missing, not to mention veteran midfielder Michael Bradley, the likes of Josh Sargent and Jordan Morris will be expected to provide the spark in attack for the States.

With neither team especially secure at the back, expect the two to share a few goals in an entertaining and even encounter.

Prediction: USMNT 2-2 Canada

Sergino Dest has committed his international football future to the United States, with the Ajax defender opting to play for the Stars and Stripes over the Netherlands.

According to Ajax's official Twitter account, the 18-year-old said it was an emotional decision to carry on playing for the USA after representing the country at youth level:

The American Dream continues…🇺🇸

Sergiño Dest -> @USMNT 🗽 pic.twitter.com/fg77aiZPLA

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) October 28, 2019

Dest added he personally spoke to Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman to inform him of his decision after becoming a starter for the Eredivisie champions this season. The player explained Koeman was disappointed, but that the former Ajax player and manager respected his choice.

According to U.S. Soccer, Dest said:

"I am happy to announce that I have decided to keep playing for the U.S. Men's National Team. Of course, it was a tough decision for me when the Dutch Men's National Team showed their interest, but I have built up a very good feeling with Team USA over the last couple of years and I strongly believe in the plans and potential of U.S. Soccer. I am therefore dedicated to making the next 10-15 years a big success and will do my utmost to help the team play for titles."

Born in Almere, Netherlands, the player's father is Surinamese American, and Dest played for the USA at the under-17 and under-20 FIFA World Cup competitions.

The full-back has featured for the full international U.S. team in two friendlies, but he could have switched allegiances as he had not played in a competitive match.

Sergino Dest is so smooth with ithttps://t.co/5x5JOq47td

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 28, 2019

U.S. sporting director Earnie Stewart said he is delighted the teenager will remain with the American team, per U.S. Soccer.

"We are excited that Sergino will continue with our program," said Stewart, a Netherlands native who spent much of his playing career in the Eredivisie. "In all of our discussions, Sergino expressed the comfort he feels within the group and his appreciation for the commitment the Federation has made along the way. As a dual national myself, I understand the choices that these young players face."

Dest appears ready to have a breakout campaign for Ajax this season, and the U.S. have secured the services of a major talent who should blossom in the years ahead.

United States manager Gregg Berhalter has said his team lacked the "desire" of Canada when the two teams met on Tuesday and has explained his reasoning for substituting Christian Pulisic during the game.

The USMNT were left stunned by Canada at BMO Field in Toronto, as second-half goals from Alphonso Davies and Lucas Cavallini gave the home side a 2-0 win in the CONCACAF Nations League. It was the first time the Canadian men had beaten the United States in 17 games and 34 years. 

After the match, Berhalter was asked about what went wrong for his team and suggested the home side simply wanted the win more, per Jeff Carlisle of ESPN FC:

"The first thing that stands out to me, was desire; desire of Canada. Give them credit. But having said that, the minimum we expect is to match that. 

"We need to compete on every single play in games like this, and that's important. I don't think it was a lack of effort. I don't think it was purposeful. But I wasn't happy with the desire that we displayed tonight to win the soccer game. Too many 50-50 balls we lost, and that hurt us."

Unsurprisingly, there has been significant criticism for Berhalter following the defeat, as he's yet to stamp his identity on the USMNT.

Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated commented on what was a forgetful night for the side and questioned whether current coach is up to the task of taking the team forward:

FT Canada 2:0 USMNT. Fully deserved win, Canada’s first vs USA in 34 years. US used to be hard to play against. That hasn’t been the case for years. Serious questions over whether Gregg Berhalter is fit for the job.

— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) October 16, 2019

Meanwhile, Leander Schaerlaeckens of Yahoo believes the current manager should be privy to the same sort of time that was afforded to some predecessors:

https://twitter.com/LeanderAlphabet/status/1184280411381424128

The USMNT did have chances to take the lead before Davies fired home, with Pulisic missing the clearest of them early in the second period.

The Chelsea youngster struggled throughout the game, although given his talent it was a surprise when Berhalter made the decision to take him out of the match. Afterward, the United States coach provided an explanation for that choice, noting Pulisic had been suffering from the flu.

"He wanted to continue," said Berhalter. "You could see the disappointment in his face, and we had to make that decision. We made the decision based on being not sure how much he had left. We wanted to inject some energy into the team."

Per Carlisle, Pulisic was noticeably upset after being taken out of the action:

Wow. Pulisic off for Arriola. Christian not happy. Berhalter walks over to have a chat. #usmnt

— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) October 16, 2019

The USMNT starlet has endured a difficult start to the season overall, as he's struggled to cement a place in the Chelsea team as of yet under Frank Lampard. Although his illness may have played a part in his poor performance on Tuesday, the lack of minutes domestically would have done little to help.

The United States will be under pressure to bounce back from this defeat during the next international break and they will host Canada in their next outing. By that point, Pulisic will hope to have a lot more minutes under his belt at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea star Christian Pulisic doesn't feel as though his lack of minutes at club level will have any impact on his form for the United States men's national team. 

Pulisic arrived at the Blues in the summer, having agreed to join the club from Borussia Dortmund. While he headed to Chelsea with a big reputation, he's struggled to nail down a spot under Frank Lampard.

Speaking about his start to the season, the USMNT international said he's feeling in good shape and is expecting to play well over the international break, per the Associated Press (h/t the MailOnline).

"I feel the best I ever have," he said. "I feel very confident in my game. I'm not going to let any of that affect me. I feel very strong, and I'm really looking forward to this game Friday. ... I'm here now to be focused with the U.S. national team, so that's really all that's on my mind right now."

The U.S. will be in action on Friday in a CONCACAF Nations League showdown with Cuba at Audi Field in Washington D.C. They will then travel to Canada on Tuesday in the same competition.

While Pulisic has suggested he's in peak condition going into this international break, the 20-year-old would have no doubt preferred to have been on the field more frequently in recent weeks. He set up the Blues' final goal in their 4-1 win over Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday:

The assist from @CPulisic_10 and the finish from @MBatshuayi! 🤩

A classy goal to wrap up Sunday's 4-1 win! pic.twitter.com/7p3mYLsdoA

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 8, 2019

Per sports lawyer Jake Cohen, although Pulisic isn't a regular at Chelsea yet, he's showcased his ability to create chances:

Christian Pulisic now has four assists in his first seven appearances for Chelsea. 🇺🇸⚽️ #pulassist

— Jake Cohen (@JakeFCohen) October 6, 2019

The youngster faces a fight to get into the first team at Stamford Bridge, though, as Lampard has found an exciting blend in attack.

Tammy Abraham has been a success at the point of the attack, as has Mason Mount in a creative role behind him. On the flanks, the vibrancy provided by Willian and Callum Hudson-Odoi gives the Blues twin threats.

Pulisic is capable of playing in any of the three positions behind a centre-forward, and as a result there should be plenty of chances for him to shine throughout the season. In the coming weeks, Chelsea will be involved in cup competitions in addition to the Premier League, and the fixture list will become increasingly congested over the festive period.

The Men In Blazers podcast suggested Pulisic could help his prospects of playing regularly by not speaking as often in the press:

One note on Pulisic and his absence from the bench. A sign that Frank Lampard does not appreciate his players talking to the press about their frustration at lack of minutes. Message is clear: Shut up, train hard, let your play do your talking

— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) October 2, 2019

Some strong performances for his country in the upcoming games will no doubt help, and Pulisic will surely relish being the key man over the course of these encounters.

When domestic football returns, Chelsea will have four fixtures over the course of 12 days. The American may get a chance then, and it's imperative he seizes it.