Why did Mauricio Pochettino sub Christian Pulisic off at half? USMNT star only plays 45 minutes vs, Paraguay

Why did Mauricio Pochettino sub Christian Pulisic off at half? USMNT star only plays 45 minutes vs, Paraguay originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

While the USMNT headed into halftime cruising with a 3-0 lead over Paraguay , star Christian Pulisic followed that break by being subbed off for Sebastian Berhalter .

This move confused fans, and many began to worry. Pulisic did not appear to play in the first half with an injury, but nothing is known for sure just yet.

Here's a look at why the USMNT star was forced out early in their opening match of the World Cup , and what Pulisic told his family after exiting the pitch.

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It remains unclear why Pulisic was subbed off at the moment. While he appeared to be playing injury-free before heading into halftime up 3-0, nothing is known for certain at the moment. Sebastian Berhalter, the son of former USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter, took his place at the start of the second half.

USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino will address the media about Pulisic's status after the game, according to Tom Bogert. No further explanation will be given until then.

Further updates will follow regarding Pulisic's status, but he did reportedly motion to his family that he was okay, according to Fox's Jenny Taft. Pulisic's early exit could also be rest-related, and a form of preserving his condition for the team's next game against Australia next week.