0
0
SEATTLE — The roar of the home crowds at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Lumen Field here in Seattle has been deafening, and this U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) is feeding off every decibel as they launch one of the most promising World Cup runs in program history.
Most will admit their doubts as the World Cup geared up to hit US soil for the summer. Team USA has not been notorious for getting far in the World Cup- so the doubt may have been understandable. In recent tournament appearances USMNT has gotten out of the group round, but failed to advance.
In this year’s games FIFA has expanded the teams from 32 to 48 where the next round is the round of 32. Which means more games and steeper competition, which could work in or against the USA. So far, so good as the USA shocks the country and brings a sense of pride across all the states.
In the Group D opener on June 12 against Paraguay, the Americans came out firing on all cylinders in front of a star-studded, capacity crowd of more than 70,000. Just seven minutes in, chaos in the box led to Paraguay defender Damian Bobadilla deflecting a dangerous cross into his own net for a fortuitous 1-0 lead. Folarin Balogun, the dynamic Monaco striker, then took center stage. In the 31st minute, he latched onto a slick through ball, composed himself, and slotted home clinically past the keeper to make it 2-0. Just before halftime, Balogun produced a mazy solo run, beating multiple defenders before firing home his second of the night, giving the U.S. a commanding 3-0 advantage at the break.
Paraguay showed some fight in the second half, pulling one back through Mauricio in the 73rd minute, but substitute Gio Reyna had the final say. In stoppage time, Reyna unleashed a stunning trivela — a curling strike with the outside of his right foot — into the far corner for a 4-1 final. It was a statement performance: relentless pressing, quick transitions, and clinical finishing that had fans chanting “U-S-A” long after the whistle.
Five days later on June 19 in Seattle, without injured star Christian Pulisic, the USMNT showed their depth against a physical Australia side. Early pressure paid off in the 11th minute when Balogun’s dangerous low cross was turned into his own net by Australia’s Cameron Burgess under duress from the U.S. attack. The home crowd erupted again just before halftime when young right-back Alex Freeman rose highest on a set piece, powering a header into the net for a 2-0 lead.
The second half turned into a gritty defensive masterclass. Australia pushed forward desperately, but the U.S. back line, anchored by veterans and rising stars, stood firm. Goalkeeper Matt Freese made key saves, and the midfield duo of Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie dictated tempo, allowing the Americans to absorb pressure and counter effectively. The clean sheet held, sealing a 2-0 victory and early advancement.
These back-to-back wins — the first time since 1930 the USMNT has claimed victory in its opening two group matches — have showcased belief, cohesion, and maturity. With six goals scored and just one conceded, Mauricio Pochettino’s squad sits atop Group D and has the soccer world taking notice.
About the Author
