Haji Wright latches on to Cristian Roldan’s through ball to tie things up against Australia. (0:40) COMMERCE CITY, Colorado –Haji Wrightscored goals either side of halftime to help theUnited StatesdefeatAustralia2-1in a friendly Tuesday night. TheCoventry Citystriker’s brace helped the hosts overcomeJordan Bos’ 19th minute opener, with both goals assisted by midfielderCristian Roldan. The win for the U.S. extended its unbeaten streak to three games, while Australia saw its 11-game run under manager Tony Popovic come to an end. It was also the first time in nine games that U.S. won under Mauricio Pochettino after conceding first. Jeff Carlisle and Joey Lynch take a look at the major talking points from the match. -As it happened: Wright inspires USMNT past Socceroos-Pulisic subbed off early in USMNT friendly with Australia- 2026 World Cup:Who has qualified, and how the rest can make it AfterFolarin Balogunscored in each of his past two U.S. games, it was beginning to look like he had gained some separation in the race to secure the starting striker spot. It was perhaps a bit puzzling then when Pochettino decided to hand Wright a start in Balogun’s place. After all, Wright hadn’t started for the U.S. since September 2024 againstNew Zealand. The move proved to be a master stroke, as Wright scored twice, though it wasn’t obvious at the start. In the opening minutes Wright looked a bit lost, and seemed oddly reluctant to exploit the space in behind that the Australia back line was giving him. But Wright stuck to his task, latching onto a through ball from Roldan in the 33rd minute to score with his right foot past Australia goalkeeperMathew Ryan. Then, six minutes into the second half, he ran through on another Roldan pass, left defenderCameron Burgessin a heap on the ground, and curled his effort past Ryan into the Australia goal. If theWorld Cupwere to start tomorrow, Balogun would likely get the start for the U.S., but Wright’s goals have kept him in the running, and have boosted his chances of earning a spot on the U.S. World Cup roster. –Carlisle
AI Summary
Key Points:
- Haji Wright’s brace, assisted by Cristian Roldan, helped the U.S. defeat Australia 2-1 in a friendly match.
- Wright’s performance has strengthened his case for a spot on the USMNT World Cup roster, challenging Folarin Balogun for the starting striker position.
- The victory extended the United States’ unbeaten streak to three games, while halting Australia’s 11-game run under manager Tony Popovic.
- Wright’s goals, despite not starting for the U.S. since 2024, showcased his goal-scoring ability and potential impact on the team.
- The match marked the first win for the U.S. under Mauricio Pochettino after conceding the first goal in nine games.