Haji Wright & Cristian Roldan take charge in Comeback Victory.
Commerce City, CO- The U.S. Men’s National Team faced a tough opponent in Australia, as they are physical and technical at the same time. After allowing a goal early and some injury issues, they fought back hard to take a two goals to one victory to finish up their October International Window in the Rocky Mountains.
Christian Pulisic injured
In the 15th minute, Christian Pulisic received an injury when he was fouled by an Australian attacker. The tackle got him in his right ankle, as Pulisic already knew he couldn’t continue. He was subbed out of the match for Diego Luna in the 31st minute, as the USMNT played down a man for a while.
“I think he felt something in his hamstring. But tomorrow he will fly to Italy. Tonight we will assess, and we’ll see. We cannot say anything at the moment.”
Jordan Bos does everything
Australia threw the ball back into play from the far side touchline, as Jordan Bos started it and finished it. After the throw-in, he caught the USA napping by stealing the ball, attacking the area, then bending one around Matt Freese for the lead in the 19th minute.
Well worked equalzier
The U.S. Men’s National Team started an attacking run down the near side. Weston McKennie passed the ball toward Cristian Roldan, who laid it off in the path of Haji Wright. Then, Wright, getting closer to the net, lifted one to the inside of the near post in the 33rd minute.
Roldan to Wright again
At the near side touchline, Alex Freeman was fouled. The USA took the restart quickly when Roldan pounced and sent the ball all the way down to Wright. He took control of it, got inside the area, and made a slight cut to his left. Then he bent the ball toward the inside of the far post in the 51st minute for his second of the match.
Cristian Roldan was brilliant
That’s the type of player Mauricio Pochettino was looking for. A man who can take charge in the midfield and be proactive with or without the ball. Making that fantastic pass to set up a scoring opportunity. That’s why Haji Wright, who is on his own positive streak, was able to make those goals happen.
“It’s true that playing in a position that maybe it’s not a striker that should score goals or it’s not a center, but it’s a midfielder that balances on and off the field is what we find. I don’t say that it’s going to be in the, you know, Rostero, is going to be in the World Cup, but I think at the moment, or so far after last camp, and now he’s a player that we are we wanted to give the opportunity.
We gave the opportunity, and look what is going on. Sometimes people, for different reasons, say no, and I understand no, sometimes say no, but Pochettino needs to be more in a group of players and give you the possibility to play, and not be together.”
Australia was a tough customer
No matter who you are, you will know when Australia comes to the pitch and wants to knock you around. Their size, speed, and technical ability will always be a challenge, regardless of where they play in World Football. They can rough you up pretty good as well. This was a strong test for the USA tonight.
USMNT News:
- USMNT Getting Ready for a Stern Test against Australia
- USMNT Draws Ecuador in a Strong Performance
- USMNT Rebounds to Defeat Japan in Columbus
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