Both squads were coming into this clash off encouraging results, with the Australians picking up a 1-0 win against Canada and the Americans tying a talented Ecuador squad last Friday.
Mauricio Pochettino‘s team only has a few more games before they host the first 48-nation World Cup in the summer of 2026, and it looks like the Argentine manager has found this roster’s ideal formation heading into this tournament.
A number of players on both teams had eye-opening performances tonight in Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The USMNT has now faced Australia four times in its history, holding a 2W-1L-1D record against the “Socceroos”.
The previous matchup between the two nations was in 2010.
Match Statistics
Match Highlights
United States Player Ratings
GK – Matt Freese – 6/10
The goalkeeper didn’t have much to do in terms of saves, and he was very, very shaky in possession. Still, Matt Freese showed some good instincts with his hands, had a clutch save at the end, and is still the favorite to start the World Cup.
RB – Miles Robinson – 4.5/10
Was reliable at first before getting torched a few times on the right side in the second half, which could’ve led to goals. Miles Robinson likely didn’t do enough to solidify himself as the USMNT’s starting right back, but he’s definitely not out of the running for this opening.
CB – Chris Richards – 6/10
Another game of several highs and a low for the USMNT’s best defender. Chris Richards was at fault for Australia’s sole goal, yet also had a key tackle that led to the Americans’ first score. Overall, aside from that one big mistake, the defender was reliable.
LB – Mark McKenzie – 6/10
The Toulouse Football Club defender was attacked less than Miles Robinson, but when tested, he responded well. Would be interesting to see how he paired alongside a back line of Chris Richards and Tim Ream.
RM – Alex Freeman – 4.5/10
Didn’t do much going forward and was beaten a few times in the second half. It was largely a performance to forget for the promising 21-year-old, but he wasn’t terrible by any means.
CM – Cristian Roldan – 8/10
The 
Seattle Sounders midfielder had a few good tackles at first, but he was at fault during the goal. Fortunately, the veteran more than redeemed himself, having two terrific assists to Haji Wright. Cristian Roldan deserves a ton of credit for bouncing back after a difficult start, and he was one of the best players on the pitch tonight.
CM – James Sands – 7/10
LM – Tim Weah – 6.5/10
Tim Weah eventually worked his way into the game, creating several dangerous chances. It’ll be interesting to see if the Marseille man is a locked-in starter for Pochettino when Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson return.
RW – Weston McKennie – 6.5/10
Weston McKennie was silent for the game’s first 30 minutes, and then when Christian Pulisicwent down with an injury, Juventus midfielder was a lot more dangerous.
LW – Christian Pulisic – 5/10
Hard to evaluate since he left early with an injury. Christian Pulisic struggled with Australia’s physicality at times, but also didn’t have a ton of help when he was on the field. Hopefully the star’s departure isn’t serious for his club and country’s sake.
ST – Haji Wright – 9/10 (Man of the Match)
Excellent run and finish on boths goals. Haji Wrightcame into this game in excellent form with Coventry Country, and he continued that form with the national team. The 27-year-old strike was the undisputed man of the match.
SUB – Diego Luna – 6.5/10
Very active going forward and at dispossessing the Australians in the second half. Diego Luna put in one of his better recent shifts for country on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, he probably should’ve scored twice in the second half, which is why he’s not getting a higher rating.
SUB – Brenden Aaronson – 7/10
An excellent shift for the man who could’ve had two assists.
SUB – Aidan Morris – 5.5/10
Had a prime opportunity for his first international goal, but for now, the 23-year-old will have to wait.
SUB – Tanner Tessmann – N/A
Didn’t do much after coming on.
SUB – Folarin Balogun – N/A
Didn’t do much after coming on.
SUB – Maximilian Arfsten – N/A
Didn’t do much after coming on.
Australia Player Ratings
GK – Mathew Ryan – 5.5/10
The veteran goalkeeper was certainly not at fault for the two goals and had a solid save late in the second half.
RB – Jacob Italiano – 6/10
Was frequently under attack by his side, but largely dealt with it well.
CB – Alessandro Circati – 5.5/10
The Parma defender was largely reliable manning the back line, but was one of the main culprits in Haji Wright’s goal.
CB – Jason Geria – 5.5/10
Not at fault for either goal, but had some shaky moments, including a yellow card. Still, the J1 League defender did not look out of place.
CB – Cameron Burgess – 3.5/10
Was beaten in both of Haji Wright’s goal. Cameron Burgess could’ve had more backup from Circati on his first mistake, but he’s a much better player than he showed tonight.
LB – Jordan Bos – 7.5/10
While the events that led to the goal were somewhat lucky, Jordan Bos had an excellent finish in the 19th minute to give Australia the 1-0 lead. The left-back was also very organized on defense, letting up very little action on his side of the field.
RM – Connor Metcalfe – 6/10
Wasn’t in possession much, but when given the opportunity to go forward, showed some dangerous signs.
CM – Aiden O’Neill – 5/10
The New York City FC midfielder was his usual feisty self, constantly challenging American players looking to penetrate the back line. That being said, O’Neill was slow to cover Cristian Roldan, which eventually led to Haji Wright’s goal.
CM – Maximilien Balard – 5/10
LM – Martin Boyle – 5.5/10
Didn’t offer much going forward, but was mostly solid getting back on defense.
ST – Nicholas D’Agostino – 5.5/10
Sent a message with his physicality, but largely didn’t have much to do going forward. Nevertheless, Nicholas D’Agostino had an open header in the second half that he should’ve done better on. Still definitely made his presence felt despite not receiving much service.
SUB – Mohamed Touré – 6/10
Reasonably dangerous when he came on with the few opportunities he had to attack.
SUB – Nestory Irankunda – 6/10
Had an excellent run that could’ve resulted in a goal. The 19-year-old showed how dynamic of playmaker he can be even at this young age.
SUB – Ajdin Hrustic – N/A
Didn’t do much after coming on.
SUB – Patrick Yazbek – N/A
Didn’t do much after coming on.
SUB – Lewis Miller – N/A
Didn’t do much after coming on.
SUB – Mitch Duke – N/A
Didn’t do much after coming on.
