Pulisic and the U.S. Soccer Federation agreed that he would sit out this summer's Gold Cup 'to get the rest he needs'

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino on Saturday responded to comments Christian Pulisic made in a recent interview.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Malik Tillman scored twice as the United States built a three-goal, first-half lead and ended a four-game losing streak by routing Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 on Sunday in a CONCACAF Gold Cup opener.

Christian Pulisic has been backed by former teammate Olivier Giroud as the ruckus over the U.S. men’s national team star’s summer absence continues to rumble on.

After Christian Pulisic spoke about why he chose not to play for the USMNT in the Gold Cup this summer, head coach Mauricio Pochettino was asked about those comments before the tournament opener against Trinidad and Tobago. It’s safe to say Pochettino wanted to remind everyone he’s in charge of the USMNT. Not Pulisic.

A U.S. victory in the Group D opener ended a four-game losing streak and came after days of controversy over Christian Pulisic’s desire to rest during the Gold Cup.

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

United States men’s head coach Mauricio Pochettino says players cannot pick and choose when they play after rejecting Christian Pulisic’s offer to play in the pre-Gold Cup friendlies.Pulisic had