US Soccer Beats Senegal 3-2 in Charlotte Friendly

The United States men’s national soccer team defeated Senegal 3-2 in a World Cup warm-up friendly on Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina. The match, played at Bank of America Stadium, served as a key preparatory test for both nations ahead of the 2026 tournament, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico.

The American side established an early two-goal lead. Sergino Dest opened the scoring in the seventh minute, finishing from close range after a cross from captain Christian Pulisic. Pulisic then doubled the advantage in the 20th minute, rounding the goalkeeper and scoring from a tight angle. The goal marked Pulisic's first for the national team since November 2024.

Senegal, led by captain Sadio Mané, mounted a strong comeback. Mané capitalized on a swift counter-attack just before halftime, expertly finishing a through ball from Habib Diarra. He then leveled the score in the 52nd minute after capitalizing on a defensive miscue by the American backline.

The United States reclaimed the lead for good just past the hour mark. Forward Folarin Balogun, who had seen an earlier second-half goal disallowed for offside, reacted quickest to a loose ball in the penalty area and...