The 2022 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off on Sunday, and Pennsylvania will be well represented by Hershey native Christian Pulisic. The 24-year-old soccer star says he’s ready to handle the weight of being the United States men’s national team’s biggest star heading into the tournament.
The USMNT is in Group B along with England, Iran, and Wales. Fans can watch Pulisic on the following days during group play:
- Nov. 21, 2 p.m.: USA vs. Wales
- Nov. 25, 2 p.m.: USA vs. England
- Nov. 29, 2 p.m.: USA vs. Iran
Here are some fun facts about Pusilic ahead of his Monday start.
That’s Right, Pulisic is From Hershey
Pulisic was born in Hershey on Sept. 18, 1998. He first played for the United States Soccer Development Academy club PA Classics growing up, and later for the minor league Harrisburg City Islanders as a teenager.
He’s in the Family Business
Pulisic is not the only soccer player in his family. Both of his parents played soccer at George Mason University. His father, Mark Pulisic, was the head coach of the Detroit Ignition of the Major Indoor Soccer League, as well.
He Spent Time in England Growing Up
Pulisic spent a year abroad in England with his family when he was a kid. He lived in the small English village of Tackle, near Oxford, when his mother, an educator, did a teaching exchange. Pulisic’s father would take him to professional soccer games to see the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC.
He Played Professionally in Germany as a Teen
Pulisic was discovered in Turkey by German scouts for the Borussia Dortmund team when he was 15. Pulisic made Dortmund’s squad at age 17, and in his first season with the team (2016-17), he recorded three goals and seven assists.
Pulisic Plays for Chelsea in the Premier League
In 2019, Pulisic signed with the English Premier League to play for Chelsea, who paid $73 million to acquire him from Dortmund—a record for any American player. In his four seasons with Chelsea, Pulisic has recorded 20 goals and nine assists in 86 games.
He’s Written a Book About His Struggles With Depression
“Pulisic: My Journey So Far,” was published in October, and chronicles the soccer star’s struggles with his mental health. The book is also filled with pictures from Pulisic’s childhood all the way through today.
His Nickname is “Captain America”
He’s earned the nickname “Captain America” for being arguably one of the most important players to ever play for the USMNT. His other nicknames include “The Hershey Hammer,” “The Hershey Hare,” and “The Pennsylvania Pele.”
Politics
Biden makes 4 million more workers eligible for overtime pay
The Biden administration announced a new rule Tuesday to expand overtime pay for around 4 million lower-paid salaried employees nationwide. The...
Malcolm Kenyatta makes history after winning primary for Pa. Auditor General
State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who was first elected to the state House in 2018, won the Democratic nomination for Pa. Auditor General and will...
Biden administration bans noncompete clauses for workers
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted on Tuesday to ban noncompete agreements—those pesky clauses that employers often force their workers to...
Local News
What do you know about Wawa? 7 fun facts about Pennsylvania’s beloved convenience store
Wawa has 60 years of Pennsylvania roots, and today the commonwealth’s largest private company has more than 1,000 locations along the east coast....
Conjoined twins from Berks County die at age 62
Conjoined twins Lori and George Schappell, who pursued separate careers, interests and relationships during lives that defied medical expectations,...