United States Thrash Uruguay in a Spectacular Match
The American team, led by a brace from Alex Freeman, achieved an impressive 5-1 victory over Uruguay at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Tuesday. The match was characterized by effectiveness in set-piece plays, with the United States opening the scoring in the 17th minute thanks to a goal by Sebastian Berhalter after a free kick. Three minutes later, Freeman extended the lead with a header after a corner kick taken by Berhalter. In the 31st minute, Freeman stood out again with his second goal of the night. The United States continued its dominance, making it 4-0 in the 42nd minute through Diego Luna. Uruguay managed to reduce the deficit with a spectacular overhead kick from Giorgian de Arrascaeta, leaving the score at 4-1 at halftime. The second half began with the expulsion of the Uruguayan captain, Rodrigo Bentancur, which diminished his team’s aspirations. With one man up and the boost from players like Gio Reyna, Tanner Tessmann, and Folarin Balogun, the United States took advantage to score 5-1 in the 68th minute, with a header from Tessmann after a cross from Reyna. At the end of the match, the American team secured a resounding victory, closing out 2025 in brilliant fashion. With this result, coach Mauricio Pochettino and his team are preparing for the World Cup year with a streak of five undefeated matches.Coach Evaluation and Player Ratings
Mauricio Pochettino: 9 – It’s becoming increasingly difficult to criticize Pochettino. Although there have been some stumbles, the coach has made significant progress in the last three windows. His ability to experiment with the lineup has created competition and a five-match unbeaten run.
Player Ratings (0-10; 10 = best, 5 = average)
- Matt Freese: 7 – Lost points due to a lack of communication in the first half, but made a vital save.
- John Tolkin: 7 – Good dribbling on the left wing and good connection with the midfield.
- Auston Trusty: 7 – Few problems for the defender, who also provided an assist.
- Mark McKenzie: 6 – Lost his player on Uruguay’s goal, but had a good performance in defense.
- Alex Freeman: 9 – Two goals and a lot of defensive work for the full-back.
- Aidan Morris: 6 – Cautious in the starting eleven, but fulfilled his role of supporting the defense.
- Timmy Tillman: 8 – Created danger with his distribution and did a great defensive job.
- Sebastian Berhalter: 9 – A great goal, a perfect assist and several crucial recoveries.
- Sergiño Dest: 8 – Subtle assist for Berhalter, but demonstrated his ability in attack.
- Haji Wright: 7 – Worked hard to recover the ball and win fouls in dangerous areas.
- Diego Luna: 8 – Improved his connection with passes, scoring a key goal. Also helped in defense.
Substitutes
- Gio Reyna: 8 – Assisted Tessmann’s goal and provided energy in the second half.
- Tanner Tessmann: 8 – Scored a header that sealed the match.
- Folarin Balagun: 6 – Had little time to make an impact, but made a couple of recoveries.
- Max Arfsten: N/A – Precise in his passes.
- Brenden Aaronson: N/A – Few interventions with the ball.
- Cristian Roldan: N/A – Came on in the 89th minute.
