Haji Wright's Brace Powers USMNT to Come‑From‑Behind Win Over Australia
When Haji Wright found the net twice, the United States finally turned the tables on a 25th‑ranked Australian side that had taken an early lead. The drama unfolded on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, where 18,218 fans watched a match that would become the USMNT’s most thrilling finish of the October international window.
Match Overview and Key Moments
The game began with Australian forward Harry Souttar slipping the ball past the Americans in the 28th minute, only to limp off after a nasty knock. The United States, fielding a weakened lineup after captain Christian Pulisic exited with a hamstring issue, seemed destined for a narrow defeat. But the tide shifted when Cristian Roldan flashed a perfectly weighted pass to Wright, who slotted home the equaliser in the 62nd minute. Six minutes later, Roldan delivered a second assist, this time threading a lofted ball over the wall for Wright to finish with his weaker foot, sealing a 2‑1 come‑from‑behind victory as the final whistle blew.
Tactical Shifts Under Pochettino
Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino, who took charge in July, made a subtle but decisive adjustment after the early Australian goal. He slipped the midfield d‑line deeper, allowing Roldan more space to pick out the forwards. The change paid dividends; the United States pressed higher, forced errors, and earned the set‑piece that led to the first assist. Pochettino’s first come‑from‑behind win is a confidence‑boosting sign that his tactical tweaks are beginning to click, especially after a goalless draw with Ecuador earlier in the window.
Player Performances and Injuries
Beyond Wright’s brace, several individual stories emerged. Goalkeeper Matt Turner produced a reflex save in the 54th minute that kept the United States within touching distance. Defender Antonee Robinson displayed his usual composure, while midfielder Weston McKennie was seen wrestling for position, drawing a colorful description from the broadcast commentator about a "bear hug" that still left him standing.
Unfortunately, the match also saw setbacks. Pulisic’s early exit leaves a hole in the attacking midfield, and Australia’s Souttar will miss the next few fixtures due to a rib injury.
Implications for Upcoming World Cup Qualifiers
The win arrives at a crucial juncture. The United States now heads into November’s CONCACAF qualifying rounds with a morale boost, facing Paraguay on November 14 and Uruguay on November 18. A successful qualification campaign is essential as the nation co‑hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Pochettino’s side will need to maintain the defensive solidity displayed after going down early, while capitalising on the offensive spark that Wright and Roldan provided.
US Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone praised the squad’s resilience, noting that “the character shown tonight is exactly what we need as we head into the decisive phase of qualifying.”
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Friendly fixtures have rarely been a barometer for USMNT success, yet this encounter mirrors the 2019 victory over Bolivia, where a late surge turned the tide. Historically, the United States has struggled to overturn early deficits against disciplined opponents, making this performance a notable exception.
Looking ahead, the coaching staff will likely rotate some players to manage the lingering injuries while preserving the core that delivered the comeback. The next two qualifiers will test whether the tactical adjustments are a one‑off or the foundation of a new playing philosophy under Pochettino.
- Final score: United States 2 – 1 Australia
- Scorers: Haji Wright (2)
- Assists: Cristian Roldan (2)
- Venue: DICK'S Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, CO
- Attendance: 18,218
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Wright’s brace affect his standing in the USMNT?
Scoring two goals in a crucial friendly elevates Wright’s profile as a reliable finisher, likely earning him more minutes in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and putting pressure on the coaching staff to consider him for a starting role.
What does the loss mean for Australia’s ranking?
Australia’s 2‑1 defeat drops them a few places in the FIFA rankings, but the impact is muted because the match was a friendly; the bigger concern is the injury to Harry Souttar, who will miss the next two international windows.
Why is Pochettino’s tactical shift considered a turning point?
By dropping the midfield line and giving Roldan space to operate, Pochettino created the passing lanes that led directly to both US goals, demonstrating a flexible approach that could be replicated against tougher South American opposition.
Will Christian Pulisic’s injury affect the upcoming qualifiers?
Pulisic’s hamstring issue is expected to keep him out for at least two weeks, meaning he will miss the Paraguay qualifier. His absence opens a door for younger talent to gain valuable experience in a high‑stakes environment.
How do fans and officials view the USMNT’s performance?
Fans praised the resilience and applauded the coach’s adjustments, while US Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone highlighted the win as a positive sign heading into the decisive phase of World Cup qualifying.
J T
Wright finally proved he’s more than a benchwarmer, nice work! :)