United States, Tillman Survives Controversial Red Card in Round Of 32

United States entered the knockout stage of the World Cup against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. Matt Freese, Harvard alumnus, returns as goalkeeper for the US.

United States dominated the possession throughout the first half but could not connect early on for goal. In the 45th minute, Folarin Balogun continues his impressive World Cup run by scoring off an errant deflection by Bosnia and Herzegovina to make it 1-0 the United States at halftime.  However, Balogun would commit a serious foul according to the referee. He was given a red card in the 64th minute, and the United States would be down 10 men for the rest of the match.  Balogun would be suspended for the next match.

Malik Tillman would save United States by converting a free kick for the US in the 82nd minute to make it 2-0. The United States would survive the dogfight and move on to the round of 16 against Belgium on Monday.

It was their first win since 2021 against a European team. However, without Balogun, they will need to think fast of a plan B against a team that came back from the brink.

Duke’s Moment of the Match

The Red Card and the Tillman goal completely changed the match for the United States. What a match.