Sunnyvale native and San Jose Earthquakes academy graduate Diego Luna starred for the United States men’s soccer national team on Sunday at PayPal Park, capably replacing Christian Pulisic

The controversy about Christian Pulisic's decision not to compete at the Gold Cup has been seized by coach Mauricio Pochettino, but this approach could negate his team's homefield advantage at the 2026 World Cup.

"I had to make the best decision for myself and my team even though some people haven't seen it that way," Pulisic told a CBS Sports podcast

United States men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino is putting his foot down. After star winger Christian Pulisic offered to play in pre-Concacaf Gold Cup friendlies but not in the actual tournament, Pochettino called out Pulisic and the rest of the USMNT players for lacking commitment.

The USMNT beat Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 without Christian Pulisic. Colin Cowherd discusses whether or not he thinks it’s okay for him to sit out the Gold Cup.

"I am not a mannequin," Pochettino said Saturday after Pulisic seemed to reveal discord between himself and the the USMNT head coach.

Pulisic also responded to the critics, some of whom are former national team stars, who said he needs to show a stronger commitment to the USMNT. He believes that argument is "way out of line":

Christian Pulisic believes those questioning his commitment to the U.S. Men’s National Team are “way out of line.”

Pulisic addressed his decision to take the summer off, as well as the criticism from Landon Donovan, on CBS Sports' Call It What You Want

The USMNT manager in no uncertain terms emphasized the team over the individual in a loud rebuke to his star player.