May 31 (Reuters) - The United States earned an encouraging 3-2 win over Senegal in a World Cup warm-up friendly on Sunday, with Christian Pulisic scoring one goal and creating another before Folarin Balogun struck the second-half winner.
Sergino Dest put the hosts ahead after seven minutes, tapping in Pulisic's cross from the left, before Pulisic doubled the advantage in the 20th minute with a composed finish from a tight angle after rounding the goalkeeper.
The goal was Pulisic's first in all competitions
since December and his first for his country since November 2024, with head coach Mauricio Pochettino praising the AC Milan winger's performance in the first half.
"I think now we need to try to extend until 90 minutes. Happy for him also because after the long time, or few months, he scored again and this is important for our players," Pochettino told reporters.
Senegal reduced the deficit just before halftime through captain Sadio Mane, who finished off a quick counter-attack after Habib Diarra's through ball split the American backline.
Balogun had a goal ruled out for offside early in the second half before Mane capitalised on a defensive error to equalise in the 52nd minute.
The AS Monaco striker made no mistake just past the hour mark, however, meeting Tim Weah's cross to restore the lead and seal victory for Pochettino's side.
The U.S., who will co-host the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, have one more warm-up game against Germany on Saturday before opening their Group D campaign against Paraguay on June 12.
"It's true that today is not an official game and doesn't count (for) points but it's important to get good feelings. We are still a little bit short in our preparation but I think we are going in a good direction," Pochettino added.
Senegal play their first Group I match against France on June 16 before facing Iraq and Norway.
(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City, additional reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; editing by Clare Fallon and Ed Osmond)
