Get free access to all our World Cup coverage in the app, from kickoff to the trophy lift.CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The U.S. men’s national team got its World Cup summer off to a flying, chaotic start with a 3-2 win over Senegal in a friendly Sunday here at Bank of America Stadium.Christian Pulisic, the star who hadn’t scored in more than five months, broke his barren run with a goal and assist in the first 20 minutes to put the U.S. up 2-0.A breakdown before halftime, then a pair of appalling mistakes by reserves, let Senegal back into the game, with the African side pulling level at 2-2.But Folarin Balogun, one of 10 halftime substitutes, put the U.S. back ahead in the 63rd minute. He had another goal disallowed, and a third clear chance saved. The U.S. easily could have had five goals, but settled for three and a victory to snap a two-game losing streak after March defeats to Belgium and Portugal.Here are our initial thoughts on the match:The Christian Pulisic breakout gameThere is no doubt that this U.S. team goes as Christian Pulisic goes. He was the Americans’ best attacking player in 2022. They need him to be the same in 2026. Going into Sunday’s game, though, Pulisic had not scored since the calendar turned. The five-month drought was cause for concern.At least for some.“He is going to score in the World Cup,” U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino told reporters earlier this week. “I really trust in that.”Pulisic immediately repaid that trust against Senegal. He looked dangerous nearly every time the ball was near him in the first half, and after 20 minutes he had a goal and an assist. Pulisic started by setting up Sergiño Dest’s finish with neat movement and a pass into the box in the seventh minute, then broke his dry spell in the 20th minute when Pepi found him in behind the back line. Pulisic dribbled around goalkeeper Mory Diaw and finished into the empty net. He celebrated with a scream that showed some relief at finally seeing the ball hit the back of the net.