Soccer-Pulisic returns to US squad as McKennie misses out for S.Korea, Japan friendlies

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Serie A - Udinese v AC Milan - Bluenergy Stadium, Udine, Italy - April 11, 2025 AC Milan's Christian Pulisic reacts after missed a chance to score REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo/File Photo

(Reuters) -Christian Pulisic has been named in the U.S. squad for the friendly matches against South Korea and Japan after skipping the CONCACAF Gold Cup, but Weston McKennie has been omitted from coach Mauricio Pochettino's 22-player roster.

Winger Pulisic, who played 50 games for AC Milan last season, opted out of the Gold Cup to rest and recover — a decision that drew criticism from former U.S. stalwarts Landon Donovan and Alexi Lalas.