Sporting Kansas City striker Alan Pulido helped the Mexico Men’s National Team to a 2-2 comeback draw against Algeria in an international friendly on Tuesday at Cars Jeans Stadion in The Hague, Netherlands.
Making his first appearance for Mexico since November 2018, Pulido entered as a 73rd-minute substitute with El Tri trailing by a 2-1 scoreline. Mexico dominated most of the second half after Algeria’s Adlene Guedioura was sent off in the 55th minute and ultimately drew level on 86 minutes when Diego Lainez slotted home off the post.
Pulido’s 14th career cap for El Tri marked the first time an active Sporting Kansas City player has represented Mexico at the senior international level. Head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino fielded three MLS players over the course of the game, including starts for LA Galaxy midfielder Jonathan dos Santos and Inter Miami CF playmaker Rodolfo Pizarro.
With his trip to Europe in the rearview mirror, Pulido will now adhere to mandated health and safety protocols in accordance with international travel before rejoining Sporting Kansas City later this month for the final stretch of the MLS regular season.
Mexico drew first blood on a strike from Jesus Corona in the 43rd minute, but El Tri's lead lasted a mere two minutes as Algeria restored parity through Ismael Bennacer on the cusp of halftime. The reigning Africa Cup of Nations winners surged ahead despite their numerical disadvantage in the 67th minute on a goal from Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez. The Mexicans pushed for an equalizer of their own as Pulido was welcomed into the action, and Lainez conjured the leveler to give El Tri a deserved result.
Winners of three straight matches, Sporting will resume their MLS campaign on Wednesday when they visit FC Dallas in a 7:30 p.m. CT kickoff at Toyota Stadium. Fans can catch the action live on FOX Sports Kansas City, FOX Sports Midwest, FOX Sports GO, Sports Radio 810 WHB and La Grande 1340 AM.
