Soccer is not just about scoring goals, it’s also about winning. Yet, sometimes you cannot help but stand in awe of certain finishes. Landon Donovan who is one of the most iconic figures in American soccer praised Christian Pulisic for his goal that broke the deadlock for the USMNT, during the 5-2 aggregate win over Jamaica in the Nations League quarterfinal. 

In the 13th minute of the game, Weston McKennie spotted his captain’s run and played a lobbed pass which Pulisic volleyed over Andre Blake on the bounce. Speaking on his podcast, ‘Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard’, the former USMNT forward admitted that he was genuinely impressed by Captain America’s technique. 

“People have no idea, it’s very rare, by the way, when I’m in my house, I was watching with my boys, where I say, Oh my god, what a goal, because I have seen a million goals in my life,” said Donovan, who also highlighted the other factors which made the scoring opportunity very unlikely, yet the AC Milan player managed to pull it off. 

“The ability to take that off the half volley, off a bounce like that, with your weaker foot, on a surface that’s probably wet, goalkeeper charging at you, and to smack it in the side netting, I mean, I don’t want to be hyperbolic, but I’m not sure I have seen too many goals that are more difficult to score than that,” added Donovan. Christian Pulisic’s brace made him the fastest player in USMNT history to reach 50-goal contributions. 

The ‘Lebron James of Soccer’ has been in fine form for both club and country this season. The forward has 5 goals and 3 assists in 11 games for the Rossoneri. The American was also crucial in his side’s historic 3-1 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. With more than 10 goal contributions, Mauricio Pochettino will be counting on the 26-year-old when the time comes. 

Pulisic’s teammate also delivered solid performances of their own. Goal contributions from Mckennie, Ricardo Pepi, and Timothy Weah sealed the deal for USMNT. The Reggae Boyz did fight back with 2 goals from Demarai Gray but Pochettino’s men didn’t look like they were going to lose at home. Yet, the focus was shifted to the post-goal antics of the Stars and Stripes players, which quickly made the headlines. 

Pulisic’s ‘Trump’ celebrations steal the spotlight 

After breaking the deadlock for USMNT, the skipper rushed towards the corner flag and did the iconic shimmy. The celebration comes in the wake of Donald Trump recently winning the 2024 US elections. Untelevised footage shows teammates Yunush Musah, Weston McKennie, and Ricardo Pepi also joining in alongside Pulisic. 

While many seemed displeased with Pulisic involving politics and sports, this raises the question of where to draw the line when it comes to post-match celebrations. Controversial as it may be, currently Christian Pulisic is one of the key players for Pochettino’s squad, who are preparing themselves for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Perhaps, this won’t be the last time we see the shimmy!