SEATTLE, WA (WSAU) — The United States has taken control of Group D following a 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle, despite playing without Christian Pulisic.
The USA came out on the front foot, with much of the first half being played in the Socceroos’ end. The first goal came when Defender Cameron Burgess deflected the ball into the Australian net, giving the USA a 1-0 lead via an own goal at the 11 minute mark.
US Striker Flo Bolgun was on the attack at the time, creating the chance that led to the self-inflicted wound.
Alex Freeman netted the second goal just before halftime on a header from a free kick, though the score came under doubt after the play was initially called offside. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team overturned that decision.
Despite a flurry of pressure from Australia in the second half, the USA held on. Goalkeeper Matt Freese made two saves to preserve the shutout.
As for the USA’s star winger, Coach Mauricio Pochettino had kept his status close to the vest all week after he was subbed off at half time in the opening win over Paraguay. The Hershey, PA native spent most of the week training separately from the team, but was left off the team sheet for Friday’s match. It’s unclear whether he will play in the group-stage finale against Turkey on Thursday, June 25th.
The United States sits in first place in Group D with six points and a +5 goal differential and has secured a spot in the knockout stage, becoming the second team to book a spot in the Round of 32 after fellow co-host Mexico did so on Thursday night.
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