The U.S. men's national soccer team (USMNT) ended their year on a high note with a commanding 5-1 victory over Uruguay on Tuesday, November 18, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Under the guidance of head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the Americans delivered a dominant performance that saw them score four goals in the first half against a traditionally strong South American side. This emphatic win capped off a successful stretch for the USMNT, as they secured victories in four of their last five matches, building valuable momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
From the outset, the U.S. team asserted their dominance. Sebastian Berhalter opened the scoring early, setting the tone for what would become a rout. Alex Freeman, a young fullback, delivered a star-making performance with two goals of his own, showcasing both his attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Diego Luna also contributed to the scoring, helping to put the hosts comfortably ahead before halftime.
Uruguay managed to respond with a spectacular bicycle kick goal from Giorgian de Arrascaeta just before the break, providing a brief glimmer of hope. However, the U.S. quickly regained control early in the second half. Substitute Tanner Tessmann added a fifth goal for the Americans shortly after Uruguay’s Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off with a straight red card for a dangerous studs-up challenge on Berhalter. The numerical advantage allowed the U.S. to see out the game comfortably, further emphasizing their superiority on the night.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese was one of the few blemishes on the U.S. side during the match. Despite a generally solid run of form, Freese made a crucial error late in the first half when he failed to securely catch a high ball in the penalty area. This miscue allowed Uruguay to regain possession and score their lone goal. While Freese’s position as the starting goalkeeper remains secure with 12 consecutive starts, this moment may have slightly shaken his grip on the spot.
On the defensive end, Alex Freeman was a revelation. Not only did he contribute two goals—one a precise header from a corner kick and the other an extraordinary solo effort weaving through multiple defenders to finish clinically—but he was also impeccable in his defensive duties. His ability to balance defensive responsibilities with attacking contributions gives Pochettino a versatile option at fullback and something for the coach to think about in future squad selections.
Partnering Freeman in central defense was McKenzie, who delivered a steady and reliable performance. While he was not as offensively involved as Freeman, McKenzie was solid throughout, maintaining composure and rarely making mistakes. His defensive positioning and reading of the game helped keep Uruguay’s attackers at bay.
Another defensive stalwart was Trusty, who was omnipresent in the U.S. defensive third. Credited with five clearances, Trusty played a crucial role in extinguishing Uruguayan threats, particularly when the visitors attempted to deliver dangerous balls into the box. His presence was vital in maintaining the team’s defensive stability.
On the left side of defense, the left back had a competent game, showing clean ball control and making few defensive errors. Although he was not as involved in attacking moves as Freeman, his primary role was defensive, and he executed that role effectively.
In midfield, the U.S. midfielders contributed significantly to both controlling the tempo and disrupting Uruguay’s rhythm. One midfielder, in particular, Morris, had a quietly influential game. Although he didn’t have standout moments like some of his teammates, Morris was a vital workhorse in the middle of the park. He combined composure on the ball with tenacity in challenges, winning back possession multiple times and helping dictate the pace of the match.
Another young midfielder stood out for his set-piece expertise. This player scored a powerful first international goal—a “banger”—and showcased his value on dead-ball situations by assisting on the team’s second goal with a well-delivered corner. Although his influence during open play remains somewhat unpredictable, his ability to create scoring opportunities from set pieces makes him an invaluable asset. His presence could prove critical for the U.S. come the World Cup.
Also contributing from midfield was a player who assisted Diego Luna’s goal just before halftime. This midfielder maintained tidy ball control and demonstrated an ability to pick out incisive forward passes. While it remains unclear where he fits within the team’s depth chart, his performance adds to the pool of capable midfield options available