PULISIC REPLACES DONOVAN AS YOUNGEST CAPTAIN

United States’ Christian Pulisic became the youngest captain in the modern history of the US Men’s soccer program when the 20 year old was handed the captain’s armband for a friendly game against Italy in Genk, Belgium.

At just 20 years, 63 days, Christian Pulisic beat Landon Donovan, who was 22 years, 220 days when he was handed the captain’s armband in a World Cup qualifier at El Salvador on October 9, 2004, a match regular captain Claudio Reyna missed through a nasty quadriceps injury.

United States fielded a very young team to face Italy, with nine of the 11 starters on Tuesday night 23 years old or younger. The lineup’s average age of 22 years, 71 days set a new record, beating the 22 years, 160 days record set by Bolivia on May 28.

Young goalkeeper, Ethan Horvath took over from Manchester United goalkeeper Brad Guzan, making his first international appearance since the friendly game against Bosnia and Herzegovina in January which ended in a goalless draw.

Pulisic who usually plays in midfield for United States was moved higher up the pitch to partner 18 year old Josh Sargent in forward. Pulisic was on a midfield flank position in last week’s 3-0 loss to England.

Interim coach Dave Sarachan is definitely a manager who loves handing debuts to well-deserving players, having handed 23 players their international debuts since taking over the reins.

Midfielder Romain Gall was on the bench but was later introduced to the game to mark his debut, becoming the 23^rd player to debut in 11 matches under Dave Sarachan.

Landon Timothy Donovan is an American former professional footballer who last played for Liga MX club side Club Leon. He has won numerous individual accolades in Major League Soccer and the United States national team and is regarded one of their greatest players of all time.