While we would normally be gearing up for the start of a World Cup at this time of year, there will still be plenty of international action over the next couple of weeks. European teams are taking part in the UEFA Nations League, while other national teams are taking part in friendlies throughout the globe.
The USA were among those to feature yesterday, defeating Morocco 3-0 in a friendly in Cincinnati. It was a good performance from the home side, easily overcoming a side who will be playing at the tournament in Qatar later this year.
The Americans have been drawn in a group alongside England, Iran, and Wales/Ukraine, and while they will now be steadily building towards those fixtures, it seems that all is not well within the group.
Christian Pulisic calls out USA fans
The performance last night may have been a strong one, but there was some disharmony after the final whistle. Having played in front of a crowd that was seemingly largely made up of Moroccan supporters, captain Christian Pulisic called out the USA fans for not showing up to the stadium in large numbers.
Christian Pulisic called out the lack of USMNT home fan support after their match against Morocco. pic.twitter.com/kyxBMDw20l
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 2, 2022
To be honest, for whatever reason, I’m not super happy with the amount of Americans here.
However that works out, if I’m being completely honest. But thanks to the ones who did come, and the support is always great from them.
But yeah, it’s nice to be back in America and playing again.
However, many people criticised the Chelsea player for his comments.
At a time when the cost of living is spiralling in the country, the United States Soccer Federation have come under heavy criticism for charging extortionate prices for international fixtures. The cheapest ticket for last night's fixture was around $76 plus fees.
This issue, along with the geography of America making it difficult for supporters to travel to home games, meant Christian Pulisic was called out for the lack of awareness in relation to the difficulties faced by the fans.
Yeah man, a shame more people didn’t start saving in 2002 so they could afford one ticket to a USMNT friendly. https://t.co/flLHztxAhv
— Pablo Iglesias Maurer (@MLSist) June 2, 2022
1) Good on ya @cpulisic_10!
2) @USMNT ... Move these games from the same 5 stadiums
3) We'd love to go, but with the travel and tickets, it's a $3k trip during a school week.
4) You're killing the next generation of fans when they can't come watch (or have 10pm ET start times). https://t.co/xDgPOF0gqt— Jason Zacher (@JasonCZacher) June 2, 2022
Tickets start at $76 for the Morocco and Uruguay games.
I found some for $165, and even resale tickets in excess of $250.
For friendles...
Digs should be aimed at the federation. #USMNT 🇺🇸 https://t.co/Uocn3gEEyH— Chris Smith (@CJSmith91) June 2, 2022
He’s talking to y’all @ussoccer maybe don’t charge hundreds of dollars for a midweek friendly? Or even at all? https://t.co/Q2zTQL2y1B
— anthony (@HoodieAlonso) June 2, 2022
Starting to think Pulisic’s injuries stem largely from the fact his foot is always in his mouth. #USMNT https://t.co/VTE8tTZZxr
— Matthew Zimmerman (@Zimmsy) June 2, 2022
I’d be more in line to agree with Pulisic’s comments if U.S. Soccer didn’t price-gouge fans for decades and make a grassroots by nature sport a pay-to-play enterprise, which ironically is the most American thing about it https://t.co/k38VCFJuZJ
— Briar Napier (@BriarNapier) June 2, 2022
Spent $280 for me and my three boys to watch a scrimmage game tonight from the very top/last row of a corner section at @TQLStadium tonight. Witnessed a spirited crowd of Moroccan-Americans get to watch and cheer on their national team actually in person. Was truly inspiring to… https://t.co/S0ZPxkrzl2
— Brian Bill (@AlumniBri) June 2, 2022
Tickets started at $75 for a friendly on a weeknight.
Before kickoff the cheapest were $92 (with fees). Pulisic should call out the USSF instead of the fans. https://t.co/MZYEGCTnRz— Stuart Hultgren 🇺🇦 (@StuartHultgren) June 2, 2022
This man is mad that with the cost of everything continuing to rise, there weren't more people willing to fork over significant chunks of cash to see an exhibition game in person involving a team that played here 7 months ago. https://t.co/pbWVwmyQik
— Mo Egger (@MoEgger) June 2, 2022
Bro… a lot of people can’t go to games because of pricing$$. Many of your fans still supported you from their home, what a horrible take man. https://t.co/yAxRodWHj2
— Jerry🇲🇽🇺🇸 (@concacafjerry2) June 2, 2022
The USA are set to face Uruguay in a friendly in Kansas on Sunday, coming under criticism for the price of tickets once again.
After that, they will open their defence of their CONCACAF Nations League title with a game against Grenada.
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