Christian Pulisic and referee Kevin Ortega Copa América Referee Kevin Ortega rejected Christian Pulisic’s handshake after the USMNT’s Copa América exit Monday night.
ArticlesSoccerBy Arthur Weinstein on

Christian Pulisic felt he didn’t get a fair shake from referee Kevin Ortega during the USMNT’s disappointing 1-0 loss to Uruguay Monday in Copa América 2024.

But Pulisic didn’t get any shake at all from Ortega when he stopped to chat with the referee after the match. The USMNT star extended his hand for a obligatory handshake only to have the referee refuse the gesture.


The rude gesture seemed a fitting end to Ortega’s night, which featured a number of controversial calls that left USMNT players and fans furious. In the most egregious example, Ortega stopped play for a handball violation, when Pulisic had the ball and a clear advantage.


The 32-year-old Ortega has refereed only seven senior international matches in his career, including Monday’s Copa América Group C Finale. He made, or missed, a number of other questionable calls, most of which went against the USMNT.

Still, even after all that, and the USMNT’s disappointing exit from the tournament, Pulisic was willing to put his grievances aside and shake hands. Or maybe not. One video angle appeared to show him gesturing for Ortega to join Uruguay’s celebration.


Whatever the case, fans checking in on X didn’t appreciate Ortega’s attitude.


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About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.

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