The Americans struck three times in the first half. Forward Christian Pulisic set up a goal by Folarin Balogun with an assist during that opening 45 minutes.
Pulisic Exits at Halftime
At halftime, head coach Mauricio Pochettino replaced Pulisic with Sebastian Berhalter, a change that immediately drew attention inside the stadium. Fox sideline reporter Jenny Taft reported on the broadcast that Pulisic told someone in the friends-and-family section, "I'm good," when he came out for the second half.
After the match, Pochettino said Pulisic took a kick to the back of his leg and was removed as a precaution at the break.
I just got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I'm really hoping that it's nothing. Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I'm hoping I'll be fine the next few days,
Pulisic, 27 was a central figure in the USMNT's first-half tone, controlling the ball, linking with teammates, and taking on defenders one on one.
Second Half and Final Score
Without Pulisic to start the second half, the United States struggled to regain its rhythm. Paraguay pulled one back in the 73rd minute through Mauricio. The USMNT closed the match with a late strike from Gio Reyna in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time.
Defender Chris Richards also delivered a standout statistical performance in the win.
Chris Richards completed all 83 passes he attempted for the USMNT against Paraguay, the most passes with a 100 percent accuracy rate by any player in a FIFA World Cup match since 1966.
Next Match
The Americans travel to Seattle to face Australia on June 19, with a chance to collect six points from six to start their group-stage campaign.
