USA vs. Senegal, 2026 World Cup Warmup: Community player ratings

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 28: Tim Ream #13 of the United States talks with teammate Cristian Roldan #4 as they arrive at the stadium prior to playing Belgium during an international friendly at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The USMNT started their World Cup preparations in ideal fashion on Sunday afternoon, jumping out to a 2-0 lead twenty minutes into the game. Christian Pulisic, broke out of his well publicized 2026 slump (he had not scored for club or country this calendar year) after assisting the first goal when he scored himself 15 minutes later.

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But we’re getting ahead of ourselves, there were a few surprises in the starting lineup, with presumed starters Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun, and (perhaps most surprisingly) Matt Freese not included in the starting lineup. In addition Chris Richards was not available either as he had not traveled with the team due to an injury he had picked up with Crystal Palace a few weeks ago.

The play of the starters was sharp though and Ricardo Pepi, starting in place of presumed starter Folarin Balogun, was involved in the buildup to both goals. Sergino Dest, who was playing pretty far forward this afternoon, slotted home the USMNT’s first goal of the match after Pulisic unselfishly slid a ball across the six. Then in the 20th a quick counter led to Pulisic rounding the keeper and slotting home from a tight angle.

Unfortunately, Sadio Mane would pick up a goal for Senegal just before the half to pull Senegal back within one. Then, after a nearly full line change for the US at halftime, with substitutes for 10 of 11 positions, including the goalkeeper (Sebastian Berhalter was the only starter to stay on) Mane would score a second goal for Senegal seven minutes in to the second half to pull them level.

The US was able to pull back on top thanks to a Folarin Balogun goal in the 63rd minute for the final score of 3-2. There were certainly some encouraging performances from the US though it can be challenging to evaluate a man of the match with in a 45’ minute appearance. What do you think? Who do you think deserves the Man of the Match honors? Hit the ratings below and we’ll tally the results up and come back with your SSFC Man of the Match selection.

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