Tampa, Florida – The U.S. Men’s National Team’s 2025 season showcased a mix of expected routines and unexpected results. In a stunning display, a wholly revamped squad dominated Uruguay with a convincing 5-1 victory, making a significant statement in their quest for a World Cup spot.
The match kicked off traditionally until the goals started flowing rapidly. Sebastian Berhalter opened the scoring in the 17th minute, followed by Alex Freeman, who added to the tally in the 31st minute. The U.S. team seemed to score at will, taking advantage of Uruguay’s faltering defense. Freeman’s second goal exemplified this, as he capitalized on a mistake by Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, reflecting the mood of the evening.
Diego Luna netted another goal before halftime, while Uruguay managed a moment of brilliance through Jorgean de Arrascueta’s bicycle kick amidst their struggles. A calm second half was disrupted when Rodrigo Bentancur received a second yellow card at the 65th minute, just before Tanner Tessman scored again, further amplifying the excitement. Although Raymond James Stadium wasn’t full, the atmosphere was electric, particularly for this new iteration of the USMNT, which secured its first major win since Mauricio Pochettino became head coach over a year ago.
Pochettino had mentioned his intention to rotate players given the quick turnaround after a recent win against Paraguay. Such an opportunity to fully experiment with his lineup is rare, and he utilized it to perfection, making nine changes to field mostly players vying for the World Cup. Their performance was quick to impress, with both Freeman and Luna solidifying their prospects for a World Cup spot.
Berhalter’s performance stood out, contributing with a goal and an assist by the 20th minute, making him a notable presence in the midfield, particularly in the absence of veterans like Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie. As Pochettino continues to explore various lineup combinations, he remains committed to rebuilding the team, despite some previous inconsistency since his appointment. While questions about team chemistry have arisen, the improvements on the pitch suggest he is steering them in the right direction.
Currently enjoying a three-game winning streak, the USMNT has been evolving its approach, notably improving set-piece strategies, as shown by scoring four out of five goals from such situations. This upward trajectory offers fresh optimism for Pochettino just one international break before the final team selection for the World Cup.
Editorial Opinion
This victory is monumental for U.S. soccer fans, representing not just a performance boost but also a glimpse of the potential future team gearing up for the World Cup. With Pochettino’s innovative tactics and player rotations, the USMNT could very well surprise many and create a memorable journey next summer.
