Haji Wright Shines as U.S. Defeats Australia 2-1 in Friendly Match

COMMERCE CITY, Colorado – In a thrilling friendly match on Tuesday night, Haji Wright emerged as the star for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), scoring both goals in a 2-1 victory over Australia. This win not only extended the U.S. unbeaten streak to three games but also marked a significant moment for Wright, who showcased his potential as a key player ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

Wright’s Impact on the Match

Wright, who plays for Coventry City, was given a starting position in place of Folarin Balogun, who had been in fine form with two goals in his previous outings. This decision by head coach Mauricio Pochettino raised eyebrows, especially since Wright had not started for the national team since September 2024. However, the gamble paid off as Wright scored twice, both assisted by midfielder Cristian Roldan.

The match began with a setback for the U.S. when Australia’s Jordan Bos found the net in the 19th minute. Despite this early challenge, Wright’s persistence paid off. He scored his first goal in the 33rd minute, capitalizing on a through ball from Roldan. Just six minutes into the second half, Wright struck again, leaving Australian defender Cameron Burgess behind and curling a shot past goalkeeper Mathew Ryan. This performance not only solidified Wright’s place in the match but also kept him in contention for a spot on the World Cup roster.

Australia’s Unbeaten Streak Comes to an End

For Australia, the match marked the end of an impressive 11-game unbeaten streak under manager Tony Popovic, which had begun in September 2024. The Socceroos had been riding high, with seven consecutive wins leading up to this match. However, the defeat against the U.S. highlighted vulnerabilities in their defense, particularly in the second half when they struggled to contain Wright’s pace and skill.

Despite the loss, the Socceroos can take solace in the fact that they had taken the lead early in the match. However, lapses in concentration allowed the U.S. to capitalize, demonstrating the importance of maintaining focus throughout the game. As the Socceroos shifted to a more aggressive approach in search of an equalizer, they left themselves open to counterattacks, which the U.S. exploited effectively.

Cristian Roldan’s Resurgence

Cristian Roldan’s performance was another highlight of the match. Just two months ago, he seemed far from a World Cup roster spot, but his recent form has been impressive. After a strong showing in the September window, Roldan continued to build on that momentum against Australia.

Despite a shaky start that saw him partially responsible for Australia’s opening goal, Roldan quickly rebounded. He not only assisted Wright’s first goal but also demonstrated quick thinking to set up the second. His ability to adapt and contribute significantly to the U.S. attack has made him a valuable asset in Pochettino’s plans.

Pulisic’s Injury Concerns

The match was not without its concerns for the U.S., particularly regarding star player Christian Pulisic. After a promising September window, Pulisic was limited to just 17 minutes due to an ankle injury sustained in the previous match against Ecuador. His early exit against Australia, following a series of heavy challenges, raised alarms about his fitness ahead of the World Cup.

Pochettino’s decision to substitute Pulisic was prudent, prioritizing his health over risking further injury. With the World Cup approaching, the U.S. will need all its key players fit and firing, making Pulisic’s recovery a top priority.

Implications for Australia’s World Cup Aspirations

Australia entered the match ranked 24th in the FIFA rankings, a position that could have seen them placed in Pot 2 for the World Cup draw. However, the loss to the U.S. has complicated their path. While the defeat against a higher-ranked team may not significantly impact their ranking, it does raise questions about their form as they prepare for upcoming matches against formidable opponents, including the defending World Cup champions, Argentina.

The Socceroos will need to regroup quickly, as they face a challenging schedule ahead. The loss serves as a reminder that even strong teams can falter, and maintaining consistency will be crucial as they aim for a successful World Cup campaign.

Bos: A Bright Spot for Australia

Despite the defeat, Jordan Bos’s performance stood out as a silver lining for Australia. The young left wing-back, who recently made headlines as the first Australian to be named Eredivisie Player of the Month, showcased his talent by scoring the opening goal. His ability to break through the U.S. defense and finish with precision highlights his potential as one of Australia’s most exciting prospects.

Bos’s recent transfer to Feyenoord has already proven to be a wise investment, and his continued development could see him become a key player in one of Europe’s top leagues. As Australia looks to the future, players like Bos will be essential in building a competitive squad.

Conclusion

The U.S. victory over Australia not only serves as a confidence booster but also raises important questions about player selection and strategy as the World Cup approaches. Haji Wright’s standout performance has kept the competition for the striker position alive, while Cristian Roldan’s resurgence adds depth to the midfield. For Australia, the loss is a wake-up call, emphasizing the need for focus and resilience as they prepare for the challenges ahead. As both teams look toward the World Cup, the lessons learned from this match will undoubtedly shape their strategies moving forward.