The former USMNT players said a statement regarding Pulisic's absence appeared to shift blame
Gomez highlights increase in MLS-based players on USMNTTwellman claims Pulisic's absence relates to an injuryBoth suggest there was an attempt to shift blameGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED
Christian Pulisic was not included in coach Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT Gold Cup roster. After announcing the squad for the upcoming tournament, U.S. Soccer released a statement regarding Pulisic's absence.
According to Matt Crocker, U.S. Soccer sporting director, Pulisic and his team made the request to sit out the Gold Cup.
“Christian and his team approached the Federation and the coaching staff about the possibility of stepping back this summer, given the amount of matches he has played in the past two years at both the club and international level with very little break,” Crocker said in a statement. “After thoughtful discussions and careful consideration, we made the collective decision that this is the right moment for him to get the rest he needs. The objective is to ensure he’s fully prepared to perform at the highest level next season.”
Two former USMNT stars, Herculez Gomez and Taylor Twellman, reacted to the statement on social media, suggesting it was an attempt to shift the blame for Pulisic's absence.
Gomez posted: "US Soccer/Poch wanted everyone to know this was on Christian Pulisic. #USMNT Now, 17/27 players from MLS when not too long ago it was 25/26 from Europe. What happened? It can’t all be circumstantial."
In reaction, Twellman suggested Pulisic allegedly has an injury, posting: "This is USSF/Poch putting this on CP make no mistake about it. Word is his hip injury is chronic and needs the summer to figure it out."
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The Gold Cup represents an opportunity for the USMNT to face tough competition ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Pulisic and Antonee Robinson are both out, along with the Weston McKennie, Tim Weah and Gio Reyna – who will miss out due to the Club World Cup.
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The USMNT start their 2025 Gold Cup against Trinidad and Tobago on June 14, followed by Saudi Arabia on June 18 and then Haiti on June 21. They will play a pair of friendlies in June ahead of the Gold Cup.
