SEATTLE — The United States men’s national soccer team moved on to the World Cup knockout round Friday evening, topping Australia 2-0 in Seattle — and doing so without one of their biggest stars.
Forward Christian Pulisic, who plays for AC Milan and has tallied 33 goals across 87 international appearances, sat out the match due to a calf injury. Despite his absence, a deep American roster stepped up to secure the victory and clinch a knockout berth after just two games — the earliest the team has ever done so.
It marks a notable improvement from the last time the U.S. hosted the World Cup in 1994, when the Americans had to advance as one of the top third-place finishers. That run ended in the round of 16 with a loss to eventual champion Brazil.
The U.S. drew first blood in the 11th minute thanks to a strong run down the left side by Folarin Balogun, who had scored twice in a 4-1 win over Paraguay on June 12. Balogun sent a centering pass toward striker Ricardo Pepi — who was starting in Pulisic’s place — but the ball never found its target. Instead, it deflected off Australian defender Cameron Burgess and into his own net, giving the Americans a 1-0 advantage.
The lead doubled just before halftime when Alex Freeman, the youngest player on the U.S. roster at 21 years old, headed in a deflected shot from Sergiño Dest in the 43rd minute. The goal, Freeman’s first in World Cup play, was upheld after a video review. Freeman is the son of Super Bowl champion Antonio Freeman.
