The U.S. men’s national team defeated Australia 2-0 on Friday in Seattle, with an own goal and a late first-half header from Alex Freeman securing the victory and keeping the Americans perfect through two games at the 2026 World Cup, according to the match report. Christian Pulisic missed the game through injury, and the win guaranteed the U.S. a spot in the round of 32 before its final Group D match against Turkiye.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino received a 7 out of 10 in the report after overseeing adjustments to the lineup and formation. The U.S. enjoyed 70% possession in the first half and switched from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-5-2 in the second half, a tactical change that coincided with Matt Freese keeping a clean sheet.
Right back Alex Freeman was also rated 7 and was singled out for key defensive and attacking contributions. The Villarreal defender nearly turned an early errant pass into a danger, produced a sliding clearance in the box, and was well positioned for a deflected Sergiño Dest shot that led to his header for the second goal, the report said. Freeman’s speed and power caused problems for Australia.
Midfielders Malik Tillman and Tyler Adams each earned a 7. Tillman was described as arguably the strongest performer on the pitch for either side, and Adams’ partnership with Tillman helped protect the back line while enabling attacking opportunities, including a through ball that released Folarin Balogun on a breakaway early in the second half. Sergiño Dest was rated 5; his deflected corner shot contributed to Freeman’s goal.
Other ratings in the report included goalkeeper Matt Freese at 6, center backs Chris Richards at 6 and Tim Ream at 5, left back Antonee Robinson at 4, and midfielder Weston McKennie at 5. The report noted moments of defensive work from Richards and cautioned about early pressure that led to shots in the opening minutes.
