No Pulisic, No Problem as the United States Defense Dominate Australia

United States was under pressure going into match day 2 of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. Australia has proven themselves as dangerous opponents thanks to an upset win of Turkey. Nestory Irankunda of Australia was a menace for the Turkish and was shaping up to be one for the USA. Furthermore, Christian Pulisic was ruled out prior to the start of the match after getting injured during the last match.

Anything less of a positive result for the United States would only intensify the critics of the US and Pulisic. The stadium in Seattle was packed with American fans with a small section full of Australia. Both teams and their fans sang their respected national anthems. The United States had a military flyover. Matt Freese, Harvard alumnus, remained in goal for the United States.

For the second straight match, the United States scores on an own goal to start the match in the 11th minute. Folarin Balogun did a terrific run and bounced off of Cameron Burgess of Australia to give the US a 1-0 lead. The United States frustrated Australia throughout the first half by dominating possession. The United States would score in the 43rd minute after a set piece that resulted in a goal by Alex Freeman. Initially this goal would be deemed disallowed due to the US being offside. However, VAR would review the goal and deem the US to be onside and the United States would take a 2-0 lead.

It would be much of the same for the United States against Australia in the second half. Australia would be frustrated by the defense of the United States. Despite the match ending in a physical way, the United States would win the game and clinch a spot in the knockout round much to relief of the US fans in the stadium and viewers from around the country.

Duke’s Moment of the Match

Freeman’s goal. When the VAR overturned it, the US fans went ballistic.