United States Thrash Uruguay in Historic Match
The United States selection achieved a resounding 5-1 victory over Uruguay at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The match, played on Tuesday, was marked by the outstanding performance of Alex Freeman, who scored two goals leading the American offense. The team of stars and stripes demonstrated their dominance from the start, taking advantage of set-piece plays. Sebastian Berhalter opened the scoring with a powerful shot after a free kick. Freeman extended the lead with a header after a corner taken by Berhalter. Freeman himself was in charge of scoring his second goal of the night, consolidating his team’s good moment. Diego Luna joined the party by scoring the fourth goal, before Uruguay reduced the deficit with a spectacular overhead kick by Giorgian de Arrascaeta, leaving the score at 4-1 at halftime. In the second half, Uruguay’s situation became even more complicated with the expulsion of their captain, Rodrigo Bentancur. With one man more on the field, the United States extended their lead with a header from Tanner Tessman, after a cross from Gio Reyna, sealing the final 5-1. With this result, the American team closes out 2025 with an impressive victory, and coach Mauricio Pochettino and his squad arrive at a World Cup year with an undefeated streak of five games.Coach’s Assessment
Mauricio Pochettino: 9 Pochettino’s strategy continues to bear fruit, demonstrating his ability to adapt the team and generate internal competition, which has resulted in a five-match unbeaten streak. His tactical changes, alternating between 3-4-2-1 and 4-3-3, again yielded positive results.Player Ratings (0-10; 10 = Best, 5 = Average)
Matt Freese: 7 He had some doubts in the first half, but made a crucial save and showed confidence in his exits.John Tolkin: 7 Showed good connections with the midfield and made some interesting dribbles down the left wing.Auston Trusty: 7 He had a solid performance in defense and provided an assist to Freeman.Mark McKenzie: 6 He had some problems during Uruguay’s goal, but overall formed a good defensive partnership with Trusty.Alex Freeman: 9 Two goals and great defensive work for the full-back, proving to be the man of the match.Aidan Morris: 6 He played cautiously in the starting eleven, but fulfilled his role in supporting the defense. His shot on goal stands out.Timmy Tillman: 8 Showed danger with his distribution and made a crucial tackle that started one of Freeman’s goal plays. His assist to Luna, although slightly off target, deserves recognition.Sebastian Berhalter: 9 A great goal, a precise assist as the main free-kick taker, and several crucial recoveries. A great game for the midfielder.Sergiño Dest: 8 A subtle assist to Berhalter for the full-back who was deployed as a right winger. He showed his ability to join the attack.Haji Wright: 7 He did a great job of wearing down the defense, fighting for the ball and winning fouls in dangerous areas. Although he didn’t score, his performance was positive.Diego Luna: 8 After some initial difficulties connecting passes, he contributed to the score with a goal and also supported in defense.Substitutes (players who entered after the 70th minute are not rated)Gio Reyna: 8 He came on with energy and provided an assist for Tessman’s goal.Tanner Tessman: 8 Scored a header, his first at international level, which sealed the match.Folarin Bolagun: 6 He had little time to impact the game, but made some recoveries.Max Arfsten: N/A Showed accuracy in his forward passes.Brenden Aaronson: N/A He had few interventions with the ball.Cristian Roldan: N/A Entered in the 89th minute.
