The U.S. men’s national team closed out the year with a bang on Tuesday, Nov. 18, hammering Uruguay, 5-1, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men stunned the South American power with four first-half goals, as Sebastian Berhalter, a brace from Alex Freeman and Diego Luna set the USMNT on its way.
After a stunning bicycle kick goal from Giorgian de Arrascaeta just before halftime, the USMNT added one more from substitute Tanner Tessmann. The Lyon man’s goal came just minutes after Rodrigo Bentancur was shown a straight red card for a studs-up challenge on Berhalter.
The USMNT closed out the year with wins in four of five games as it continues to build momentum toward the 2026 World Cup.
As a reminder, here’s the Pro Soccer Wire player rating scale:
1: Abysmal. Literally any member of our staff would have been able to play at this level.
6: Adequate. This is our base score.
10: Transcendent, era-defining performance. This is Carli Lloyd vs. Japan in the 2015 World Cup final.
GK: Matt Freese – 5.5
Perhaps the lone sour note of the night for the U.S., Freese made an error late in the first half to ruin the clean sheet. His attempt to claim a high ball in the box was fumbled, allowing Uruguay to gain possession and score. With 12 straight starts, it’s likely still his job to lose, but his grasp on the spot could have loosened a bit after this error.
RB: Alex Freeman – 9
It was a star-making performance from the young fullback. He did it all on the night. In the attack, he scored two goals. His first was a nice, measured header off a corner kick.
His second was a work of art as he knifed through several defenders and finished clinically. It was a moment of magic that you wouldn’t expect from a defender. Defensively, he didn’t have any noticeable mistakes. It was as good a performance as you’ll see from a full-back. He has certainly given Pochettino a lot to think about going forward.
LCB: Mark McKenzie – 7
McKenzie has a solid showing defensively. While not as active as his center back partner, he really didn’t put a foot wrong defensively.
RCB: Auston Trusty – 7.5
Trusty seemed to be everywhere in the U.S. defensive area. He was credited with five clearances. Any time Uruguay tried to send service into their attacking area, he seemed to be there to put out the fire.
LB: John Tolkin – 6.5
A competent shift for the left back. He was clean on the ball and didn’t make many defensive mistakes. While he didn’t get as involved in the attack as his full-back counterpart, that really isn’t his role in the team.
CM: Aidan Morris – 7
While Morris didn’t have any spectacular moments like many of his teammates did, he was a force in the midfield. He was controlled and poised on the ball in possession, while being tenacious in the tackle when needed. He won possession for his side many times and helped set the tempo.
CM: Sebastian Berhalter – 8.5
A fantastic showing from the young midfielder who scored a banger for his first international goal. He continued to prove his value to the team on set pieces, setting up the second goal of the game with a corner kick. He remains a question mark in the run of play, but there’s no doubt that he’s an asset to the team with his dead ball abilities. If his name shows up on the final World Cup roster, his set piece prowess will be a huge reason why.
CM: Timothy Tillman – 7
Recorded an assist to Diego Luna to finish off the first half. He was once again tidy on the ball and able to pick out a forward pass. It’s unclear where he falls on the depth chart, but you can certainly add him to the list of capable midfielders for Pochettino to consider.
RW: Sergiño Dest – 7
Playing as an out-and-out attacker, Dest was his usual lively self. There aren’t many defenders in the world who want to see him coming at them one-on-one. He was credited with an assist and was a constant danger on the right flank. No matter the position, he has to be on the field to create chaos with his silky skills on the ball.
FW: Haji Wright – 6
It was a quiet night for the big striker with all the action happening around him. His hold-up play was hit or miss, while his off-the-ball runs were helping create gaps for his teammates to exploit. It wasn’t a bad night by any means, just an unspectacular one.
LW: Diego Luna – 7
It was one of the last chances for Luna to make his case for the World Cup squad, and he found the back of the net. His finish was clinical to wrap up a dream first half for the team. Other than the goal, he wasn’t overly influential in the attack. He was more of a passenger than a driving force, but a goal certainly won’t hurt his case for a roster spot come 2026.
Sub: Folarin Balogun – 5
Balogun had one or two chances to help score or create a goal after coming on, but failed to take advantage. It would be harsh to criticize him too much, considering he came into a lopsided match.
Sub: Gio Reyna – 7
Just minutes after coming off the bench, he set up Tessmann for a goal with a sublime pass from midfield. He continues to prove he’s one of the best players in the player pool.
Sub: Tanner Tessmann – 7
Scored his first international goal minutes after coming onto the field. It was a very nice headed finish after an even better run into the box. Coming off a very good performance on Saturday, he has to be creeping up the depth chart.
Sub: Brenden Aaronson – 5
Got a quick run out but didn’t have much influence on the match after coming on. His energy off the bench is an asset that could be utilized in the future.
Sub: Max Arfsten – 5
Didn’t have much to do other than see out the result. He wasn’t as adventurous going forward as he usually is, but that’s to be expecting considering the scenario he entered in.
Sub: Cristian Roldan – NR
A late sub who played two minutes.
