Two USMNT players could feature in the Champions League final for the first time in history

For the first time in history, two USMNT players could confront each other in the tournament’s final. 

Christian Pulisic and Zack Steffen could meet in the Champions League final on opposing sides as Chelsea confronts Manchester City on football’s biggest stage.

The two Pennsylvania natives last competed against each other on the pitch in April 2021 during the FA Cup semi-finals, where Chelsea defeated Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley. 

Goalkeeper Steffen started the match for City, while Pulisic came off the bench only to score on his USMNT teammate before the goal was ruled out for offside. Following the failed attempt, Pulisic continued to challenge Steffen before Hakim Ziyech scored the game-winning goal. 

Since then, Pulisic has proven vital for Chelsea’s success in European competitions. During their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, Pulisic scored in the first leg, then came on as a substitute in the second and made an immediate impact. 

Manager Thomas Tuchel decided to bring on the U.S. international in the 67th minute to replace Timo Werner. In just moments, Pulisic adapted to the high tempo and provided the phenomenal assist to Mason Mount to seal their spot in the final. 

Pulisic’s goal in the first leg earned him the title of first USMNT to score in this phase of the Champions League, while he also stands as the first USMNT player to provide an assist in the semi-finals of the competition.

On the other end, Steffen has made himself known guarding the goal for 2020/21 Premier League champions Manchester City. He also became the first American to win the trophy with City. 

Though Steffen has only appeared once in the Premier League and once other in the Champions League this season, he hasn’t wasted any time showing off his abilities as City’s cup goalkeeper. He started and kept a clean sheet against Spurs in the Carabao Cup final.