The U.S. men’s national team’s youngest starter in Mauricio Pochettino’s lineup turned out to be the best performer on the night.
21-year-old Alex Freeman scored his first two international goals in a 5-1 friendly romp over Uruguay at Raymond James Stadium. The Orlando City defender earned SBI USMNT Man of the Match honors after scoring half of the USMNT’s goals in their 2025 finale.
After Sebastian Berhalter opened the scoring in the 17th minute, Freeman doubled the USMNT’s lead to 2-0 three minutes later. Berhalter swung in a corner kick from the left wing and Freeman rose high to head home into the bottom-left corner.
Freeman’s night wasn’t done yet as the 21-year-old added his second goal in the 31st minute. Auston Trusty’s pass into the box allowed Freeman to race onto it before drilling a shot that deflected into the back of the net.
Diego Luna would extend the USMNT’s lead to 4-0 but Uruguay’s Giorgian de Arrascaeta pulled a consolation tally back before the interval.
Tanner Tessmann added his first senior goal in the second half to pad the USMNT’s memorable victory.
Freeman finished the match with 90 minutes played, five duels won, one foul drawn, and four defensive recoveries. He edged Berhalter, Sergino Dest, Auston Trusty, and Diego Luna for Man of the Match honors.
What did you think of Freeman’s performance? Do you have him remaining a member of the squad in March? Where do you rank him in the USMNT fullback corps?
Share your thoughts below.
Just saying AC Milan playing in a 3-5-2 could be a great fit for Freeman.
I hope he and other MLSers stay in MLS until after summer. Switching to Europe the winter before a WC is risky.
100%
Oh yeah definitely. Playing in MLS should be priority for Freeman until after the WC.
Yeah go ahead and fix what ain’t broke.