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Christian Pulisic’s purpose and help off the bench on Saturday may simply have saved Borussia Dortmund’s season, with the American’s 15-minute cameo in a vital 3-1 win over Stuttgart protecting BVB even on factors — if not purpose distinction — with Bayern Munich atop the Bundesliga desk.
The 20-year-old U.S. nationwide workforce star has struggled with nagging leg accidents and type for many of the season. However he was the difference-maker in a match that Dortmund, which has seen its enormous lead in Germany’s high division evaporate during the last variety of weeks, merely needed to have.
With the rating knotted at one and simply 12 minutes of the 90 remaining, BVB supervisor Lucien Favre summoned Pulisic. It marked simply his third look, all in its place, since Feb. 13 as he continues to realize match health after getting back from a muscle harm. And Pulisic made the many of the alternative, his intelligent footwork contained in the field organising Paco Alcacer’s all-important go-ahead purpose briefly order:
Then Pulisic, who will transfer to Chelsea this summer season after agreeing to a $73 million switch in January, acquired onto the scoresheet himself deep into stoppage time. The primary-time end together with his left foot off a move by Mario Gotze simply beat Stuttgart keeper Ron-Robert Zieler to the far submit:
The purpose sealed the important three factors for the hosts. It may additionally assist Pulisic earn extra enjoying time as his tenure in Germany winds down. Pulisic’s final two begins got here within the German Cup and the Champions League, competitions Dortmund is now not concerned in. The Pennsylvania native has not made Favre’s lineup for a Bundesliga match since late final 12 months, earlier than his looming transfer to Chelsea was introduced.
Perhaps that is why BVB insisted on Pulisic sticking round till the tip of the season, with the membership bent on ending Bayern’s string of six Bundesliga titles this spring. Dortmund has not gained the home championship since 2012. The 2 golf equipment each have 57 factors after Bayern crushed Wolfsburg 6-0 on Saturday, and Bayern’s plus-2 purpose differential give it the highest spot. If Dortmund does handle to reclaim the lead and break its chief rival’s stranglehold on the trophy between now and Might, the affect Pulisic made on Saturday will likely be a giant motive why.
Doug McIntyre covers soccer for Yahoo Sports activities. Comply with him on Twitter @ByDougMcIntyre.
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