Pulisic subs on as Türkiye beats U.S. on last kick...
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- Türkiye beat the U.S. 3-2 on the final kick of the match when substitute Kaan Ayhan scored during a goal-mouth scramble, sealing the U.S.'s first loss of the tournament.
- Christian Pulisic came on just before the hour mark and showed no signs of the left calf injury that sidelined him at halftime of the opener, hitting the post, forcing a save from Ugurcan Çakir, and lashing a late effort wide.
- Mauricio Pochettino started nine new players because the group was already decided and because avoiding yellow cards for Folarin Balogun, Tyler Adams, Chris Richards, and Antonee Robinson — all one caution from a suspension — was paramount.
- Auston Trusty opened the scoring in the third minute off Sebastian Berhalter's arcing corner, but Arda Güler equalized in the 10th after Mark McKenzie lost his man twice on the same play, and Orkun Kökçü put Türkiye ahead before halftime.
- Sebastian Berhalter smashed a half-volley from outside the box early in the second half to tie it at 2-2, but the U.S. couldn't find a winner before Ayhan's last-gasp strike.
- The U.S. now faces Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday in Santa Clara, Calif., in the round of 32, falling short of becoming the first U.S. men's team to win all three World Cup group games.
Why it matters: Pochettino rested his regular starters because the group was already won and to keep Balogun, Adams, Richards, and Robinson — all one yellow from suspension — eligible for the knockout round. Pulisic came on with 30 minutes to go, hit the post, and showed no signs of the calf injury from the opener, leaving the U.S. with its star and a clean slate against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
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