Haji Wright scored twice to lead the U.S. men’s national soccer team to a 2-1 comeback victory over Australia in a friendly match on Tuesday, though the win was tempered by an early injury to Christian Pulisic. The result extends the USMNT’s unbeaten streak to three games and marks the first time under coach Mauricio Pochettino that the team has rallied from a deficit to secure a win, providing a boost ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The match at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, saw Australia take an early lead in the 19th minute when Jordan Bos capitalized on defensive miscues. Bos received a throw-in, weaved through the U.S. backline, and finished past goalkeeper Matt Freese, exposing vulnerabilities that Pochettino later emphasized must be addressed before the World Cup. Despite controlling possession initially, the USMNT struggled to convert opportunities until Wright’s intervention.
Christian Pulisic’s night ended prematurely around the 30th minute after he sustained a hamstring injury from heavy challenges, compounding existing concerns after he was limited to a substitute role in the previous draw with Ecuador due to an ankle issue. Pochettino confirmed Pulisic would return to AC Milan for evaluation, casting doubt on his availability for November fixtures and highlighting the need for depth in the attacking lineup.
In Pulisic’s absence, Haji Wright stepped up decisively, equalizing in the 33rd minute with a well-placed shot after a through ball from Cristian Roldan. Wright, who leads the English Championship in goals for Coventry City, demonstrated his clinical finishing, reminding selectors of his capabilities as World Cup roster decisions loom. His performance underscored the ongoing competition for the striker role, with Folarin Balogun also in contention.
Six minutes into the second half, Wright struck again, curling a shot into the far corner after another assist from Roldan, who showcased quick thinking on a free kick. Roldan’s awareness to play a swift pass left defender Cameron Burgess grounded, allowing Wright to secure his seventh international goal. The synergy between the two players highlighted their growing chemistry and situational intelligence, with Roldan reinforcing his case for a World Cup roster spot after a strong MLS season.
The victory snapped Australia’s 11-game unbeaten run under manager Tony Popovic, potentially impacting their FIFA ranking and World Cup draw prospects. While Bos’s energetic performance stood out, defensive lapses proved costly for the Socceroos, who will look to rebound in November friendlies against rumored opponents like Argentina. For the USMNT, the win builds momentum and confidence, with Pochettino praising the team’s belief and the ‘magic’ of their collective effort.
Looking ahead, the USMNT will face Paraguay and Uruguay in November, with roster spots still highly competitive. Wright and Roldan have strengthened their positions, while Pulisic’s health remains a priority. As the World Cup countdown intensifies, such performances offer valuable insights into the team’s resilience and depth, setting the stage for critical preparations in the coming months.