USA Rally To Edge Australia 2-1 In Colorado
The United States secured a 2-1 victory over Australia at Dick’s Sporting Goods Stadium in Colorado, clawing back from a first-half setback to claim a win that boosts their World Cup preparations. Haji Wright struck twice to overturn Jordy Bos’s shock opener and hand Tony Popovic his first loss as Socceroos boss.
Early setback for the hosts
US captain Christian Pulisic returned to the starting lineup but was forced off the field in the 27th minute after a string of heavy challenges from Australia’s front-footed approach. The AC Milan man clutched his lower leg and departed with the injury clouding a game the hosts hoped to use as a springboard ahead of next year’s tournament. His absence disrupted the USA’s rhythm, yet it also created an opportunity for teammates to seize control.
Bos breaks the deadlock for Australia
Australia’s bright moment arrived in the 19th minute when Jordy Bos, fresh from recent Eredivisie form, played a key role in earning the opener. A throw-in miscue allowed Bos to surge through the defense and fire a half volley into the far corner, putting the Socceroos ahead and signaling a more aggressive approach than perhaps expected from the visitors.
Wright’s two-goal comeback
With Pulisic unavailable, Diego Luna entered the fray and helped unlock Australia’s compact midfield. A clever through-ball from Cristian Roldan found Haji Wright, who finished deftly into the corner to restore parity. Wright then delivered the decisive moment late in the first half, threading a composed finish as the USA pressed for a second goal.
In the second half, the USA continued to press high, balancing aggressive ball retention with dangerous runs in the final third. Australia, rotating heavily under coach Mauricio Pochettino’s plan, looked capable of another reversal, but Wright’s second capped a determined performance and gave the home side control of the match.
Key moments and tactical notes
Australia’s approach was physical and direct, with Bos repeatedly testing the left flank. The US, meanwhile, targeted the spaces behind Australia’s back line, with Wright and Luna linking up to keep the attack lively even after Pulisic’s withdrawal. A late scare when Bos clashed with a USA defender briefly unsettled both benches, but the match settled into a controlled finale as the clock wound down.
What this win means ahead of the World Cup
For the USA, the result reinforces a positive trajectory under Pochettino, who is rotating squads to test depth ahead of the World Cup qualifiers and tournament proper. Wright’s double will bolster his influence in the attacking pipeline, while the return of Pulisic, even for a partial appearance, signals the squad’s growing resilience. Australia, despite the loss, demonstrated competitive depth and tactical flexibility under Popovic, who will no doubt refine lineups in the build-up to next year’s global showpiece.
As both teams continue preparations, fans will be watching how these performances translate to World Cup group dynamics and rankings, with the USA hoping to leverage momentum and Australia seeking consistency to secure favorable draw potential in the tournament draw.
