Pulisic returns as Berhalter shines but late loss exposes USMNT defense

The scoreboard read Turkiye 3, USA 2, and the U.S. players formed a familiar midfield huddle — no screams or smiles, just togetherness after a late, gut‑punch finish. Defender Mark McKenzie said the gathering wasn’t for optics but to regroup: "It's not for optics.

It's not for other people to create their own narratives. It's a moment for us to be together," and the team left Los Angeles with the sting of a last‑second goal still raw. Sebastian Berhalter emerged as a difference‑maker in midfield, supplying an assist, scoring and surviving more than 70 minutes with a yellow.

He recalled the moment of his goal: "The ball just popped out, and I knew if I just stayed calm and just made a swinging motion, that I had a chance," and added, "I think we gave everything we had, and we'll be ready for the knockouts." Christian Pulisic returned from injury to a rapturous reception and created danger throughout, saying, "I felt healthy.

United States, Los Angeles

christian pulisic, sebastian berhalter, usmnt, turkiye, mark mckenzie, los angeles, yellow card, late goal, assist, knockouts