Bittersweet end to Pulisic’s debut season

Christian Pulisic’s debut season with Chelsea is likely over. The U.S. Men’s National Team star was forced out of the FA Cup Final on Sunday in the second half after suffering an apparent hamstring injury. 

Pulisic scored the opening goal of the game in the 6th minute to give Chelsea the early lead. Arsenal bounced back from the early deficit and claimed the title with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory. 

CHRISTIAN PULISIC GIVES CHELSEA THE LEAD INSIDE FIVE MINUTES! pic.twitter.com/PIB2hDymW1

— ESPN (@espn) August 1, 2020

Pulisic became the youngest player to score in the FA Cup Final (at 21 years of age) since 2004 when Cristiano Ronaldo scored at 18 years old. It was just another record for Pulisic in what has been a historic debut season with the London club. 

Pulisic finished the campaign with 11 goals in 34 appearances for Chelsea despite a spell of falling out of favor with coach Frank Lampard. Pulisic had four goals and four assists in the nine games since the restart, arguably his best run of form as a professional. His goal over the weekend showed the confidence he was playing with at the end of the campaign as his found his role with the club. 

The season is not technically over for Chelsea. The Champions League tilt against Bayern Munich awaits this week as they conclude the second leg of that fixture. Chelsea trails 0-3 after the first leg. 

While a hamstring injury typically is a serious setback for a soccer player, Pulisic posted on his instagram after the game: “I’ll be back in no time.” 

The U.S. Men’s National Team is rumored to be back in action in October for friendlies. The Premier League is schedule to start September 12. 

Christian Pulisic is the youngest scorer in an FA Cup final since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2004 👶 pic.twitter.com/Qq6zqwh4Wn

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 2, 2020