A pair of scores from defender Alex Freeman propelled the United States to a noteworthy 5-1 triumph over Uruguay on Tuesday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Emphasized by the productive employment of dead-ball plays, the U.S. commenced the scoring in the 17th minute when midfielder Sebastian Berhalter discharged a shot into the net from a free kick. Following three minutes, Freeman amplified the lead with a header that originated from a Berhalter corner. The always involved Freeman reappeared in the 31st minute with a drifting run that delivered his second score of the contest.
Motivated for added tallies, the USMNT then achieved a 4-0 margin via a score from Diego Luna in the 42nd minute, ahead of surrendering a memorable bicycle kick from Uruguay’s Giorgian de Arrascaeta that settled a 4-1 difference by the half.
In the time that followed, Uruguay’s fleeting surge suffered severely from a dismissal for captain Rodrigo Bentancur. With revitalized stamina thanks to a numerical advantage and the introduction of substitutes Gio Reyna, Tanner Tessmann, and Folarin Balogun, the USMNT profited in the 68th minute with a header from Tessman arising from a Reyna cross.
By the final whistle, a 5-1 result was finalized for the Americans, garnering them an attention-grabbing victory to conclude 2025. Given this outcome, U.S coach Mauricio Pochettino and his team will go into a World Cup year with a five-match unbeaten sequence.
– How Roldan evolved from USMNT afterthought to Pochettino favorite
– How the USMNT combats jet lag: Fly kits, supplements, sleep masks
– Pochettino the player: How his playing days shaped USMNT coach
Manager assessment out of 10
Mauricio Pochettino, 9 — It’s progressively challenging to critique Pochettino. We’ve undoubtedly witnessed a couple of missteps from the coach who has communicated a desire to overhaul the U.S. culture and squad in 2025, but over the past three periods, progress has been apparent. Does he possess awareness of his ultimate best XI? That might not be essential for the Argentine whose adjustments have fostered competition and a five-game undefeated stretch. Alternating between a 3-4-2-1 and 4-3-3 formation, Pochettino once again took a chance with his modified lineup and it delivered with a commanding outcome.
Athlete assessments (0-10; 10 = optimal, 5 = common)
GK Matt Freese, 7 — He forfeits a point or two for a moment of failed communication during the first half that almost resulted in a score for Uruguay, but Freese should not be excessively critical of himself. He wasn’t excessively active but did contribute a crucial save and aerial claim.
DF John Tolkin, 7 — Registered a few skillful dribbles on the left side and connected competently with the midfield. He receded into the background at times relative to his more assertive colleagues.
DF Auston Trusty, 7 — Minimal difficulty for the defender who also furnished an assist to Freeman.
DF Mark McKenzie, 6 — Lost his assigned player during Uruguay’s singular score but sustained a serviceable partnership with Trusty within the backline.
DF Alex Freeman, 9 — Two scores and abundant defensive contributions for the traveling defender. Is it possible to desire more from what one might consider the most valuable player of the contest?
MF Aidan Morris, 6 — Appeared periodically circumspect in the opening XI, but that is likely attributable to his role in which he was required to retreat to reinforce the defensive line. Merit should be granted for his shot aimed at the target.
MF Timmy Tillman, 8 — Tillman generated hazard with his distribution and executed a significant tackle that ignited one of Freeman’s scores. His assist on Luna’s score was technically a modest deflection, but deserves acknowledgment.
MF Sebastian Berhalter, 9 — An exquisite score, a precisely executed assist as the prominent set piece specialist, and a multitude of critical recoveries for the midfielder that also stood out due to his pivotal passes. Take a bow, Berhalter.
FW Sergiño Dest, 8 — It represented an understated assist to Berhalter, but an assist irrespective for the defender who functioned as an ambitious right winger. When necessary, he has demonstrated the capacity to surge forward in the attack absent defensive duties.
FW Haji Wright, 7 — Wright undertook considerable arduous labor as an individual who assisted in contesting for the ball and securing fouls in threatening locales. An absence of scores or assists but nevertheless advancement.
FW Diego Luna, 8 — Encountered early difficulties in linking his passes before contributing to the unbalanced score through a remarkable run and finish for his score. Delivered defensive support as well.
Substitutes (athletes introduced after 70 minutes are not assessed)
FW Gio Reyna, 8 — Reyna supplied an assist for Tessman’s score and noticeably injected heightened energy into the second half.
MF Tanner Tessman, 8 — Advanced with a header, his inaugural one at the international echelon, that extinguished prospects for a Uruguay recovery.
FW Folarin Bolagun, 6 — Received limited duration to exert influence but also delivered a pair of recoveries.
DF Max Arfsten, N/A — Appeared precise with his passes into the offensive zone.
MF Brenden Aaronson, N/A — Encountered scant touches on the ball as a late substitute.
MF Cristian Roldan, N/A — Entered in the 89th minute.
