USA come from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Australia in Colorado
In a high-stakes pre-World Cup friendly at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, the United States fought back from a first-half setback to defeat Australia 2-1. The cohosts, buoyed by a refreshed roster and renewed attacking intent, showed resilience as Haji Wright struck twice to overturn an early strike from Jordy Bos. The result marked a significant morale boost for the hosts and a challenging start for Australia boss Tony Popovic.
An early setback and a nervy start for Pulisic
USA captain Christian Pulisic started as the focal point of the attack after returning from an ankle niggle, but his evening took a difficult turn when he pulled up with a lower leg complaint in the 27th minute. After a series of heavy challenges from Australia’s physical press, Pulisic was forced off, with Diego Luna stepping in to continue the hosts’ offensive pressure.
Despite Pulisic’s exit, the Americans dominated possession and created sustained pressure in the final third, signaling Maurizio Pochettino’s intent to field a dynamic, young lineup as they build toward the next year’s tournament.
Bos gives Australia a shock lead, Wright responds
Australia’s rising star Jordy Bos broke the deadlock in the 19th minute, capitalizing on a misplayed throw-in near the USA box. The Feyenoord left-back seized the opportunity, hammering a half-volley into the far corner to give the visitors a surprising advantage.
The goal exposed vulnerabilities in the American buildup, but the home side quickly shifted gears. A few minutes after the restart, Cristian Roldan produced a measured ball that found Haji Wright, whose composed finish restored parity for the US.
From there, Wright began to impose himself. He threatened again with a smart run and a curling effort, while Luna’s quick touch and movement helped pull Australia’s defense out of shape. Wright’s equalizer sparked a wave of pressure, with the US pushing to turn the game in their favor before halftime.
The turning point and late chances
As the second half unfolded, Popovic made a quadruple substitution to refresh Australia’s front line, bringing on Mo Toure and Nestory Irankundo. Yet Wright’s instinctive finish, latching onto a well-weighted pass from Luna, put the USA ahead in the 60th minute and shifted the match’s momentum decisively in favor of the hosts.
Despite Australia’s best efforts to respond, the Americans continued to press high, seeking a third goal that would seal the result. Bos continued to threaten down the left flank, while the US defense, marshaled by a steady Freese in goal, dampened late Australian advances with timely challenges and disciplined ball retention.
Implications for the teams ahead of the World Cup
The result has several implications as the World Cup looms large next year. For the USA, the victory offers a valuable confidence boost and a clearer direction for their attack, with young players stepping into the void left by Pulisic after his injury. For Australia, the defeat provides a cautionary note about balance and pressure, even as Bos underscored his growing reputation in the Eredivisie and on the international stage.
What’s next?
Both teams will be tallying the positives as they refine squads and tactics ahead of the World Cup draw. The USA will look to build on the spark shown by Wright, Luna, and a restocked midfield, while Australia will aim to tighten transitions and maintain the same level of physical intensity they showed in Colorado. The match offered a glimpse into the strategic conversations that will shape both teams’ approaches in the coming months.
