USMNT Triumphs with 5-1 Victory Over Uruguay

A brace from fullback Alex Freeman propelled the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) to a remarkable 5-1 victory over Uruguay on Tuesday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

The match commenced with the U.S. efficiently utilizing set-piece plays. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter initiated the scoring in the 17th minute, netting a goal from a free kick. Just three minutes later, Freeman extended the lead with a header following a corner delivered by Berhalter. In the 31st minute, Freeman showcased his skill again, making a dynamic run to secure his second goal of the evening.

With a thirst for more, the USMNT increased the score to 4-0 when Diego Luna found the back of the net in the 42nd minute. However, Uruguay managed to respond with a stunning bicycle kick from Giorgian de Arrascaeta, bringing the halftime score to 4-1.

After the break, Uruguay’s momentum quickly diminished with the dismissal of captain Rodrigo Bentancur. Capitalizing on their one-man advantage, the U.S. introduced substitutes such as Gio Reyna, Tanner Tessmann, and Folarin Balogun. In the 68th minute, Tessmann scored with a header from a cross by Reyna, solidifying a 5-1 victory for the North Americans.

This emphatic win concluded 2025 on a high note for the USMNT, which now heads into World Cup preparations boasting a five-game unbeaten streak under the guidance of coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Evaluating individual performances, Pochettino’s strategic choices have proven effective as he continues to experiment with formations like the 3-4-2-1 and 4-3-3. Players such as Alex Freeman, who earned a standout rating of 9 for his contributions, exemplified the team’s effort in not just scoring but also defending effectively.

Overall, the match showcased the USMNT’s depth and versatility, setting a positive tone as they look forward to upcoming challenges.