USA Dominates Uruguay 5-1: In-Depth Game Analysis (Nov 18, 2025)

The United States National Soccer Team achieved a remarkable 5-1 victory over Uruguay in a friendly match held on November 18, 2025. The game took place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, and showcased strong performances from several players.

First-Half Surge

The scoring began with a powerful strike from Sebastian Berhalter. His goal came from a set piece, surprising Uruguay’s goalkeeper Cristopher Fiermarin. Just ten minutes later, Alex Freeman scored his first goal for the U.S. with a commanding header from a corner kick.

• Goals:
  • Sebastian Berhalter – 1st goal
  • Alex Freeman – 2 goals

Freeman continued to impress by weaving through the Uruguay defense and scoring again, pushing the American lead to 3-0. Diego Luna added another goal, completing a smooth team effort down the left flank.

Uruguay managed to get on the board before halftime with a spectacular overhead kick by Giorgian de Arrascaeta, reducing the deficit to 4-1. This late goal prompted U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino to express his frustration about maintaining intensity during the game.

Strategic Changes and Late Goals

Pochettino made nine lineup changes from the previous match against Paraguay, retaining only Sergiño Dest and goalkeeper Matthew Freese. Giovanni Reyna, who returned after a hiatus, was substituted in during the 61st minute.

Shortly after Reyna’s introduction, Uruguay’s Rodrigo Bentancur received a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Berhalter, leaving the South American team with ten players. The U.S. capitalized on their numerical advantage when Reyna assisted Tanner Tessmann, who scored his first goal for the national team, solidifying the final score at 5-1.

Historic Victory

This win marked a historic achievement for the U.S., as it was the first time they scored five goals against a South American team or a World Cup champion. The result rounded off a successful year for the team, which has won four matches and maintained an unbeaten streak against teams heading to the World Cup.

Looking Ahead

Next year, the United States plans to play two friendly matches in March, potentially against Portugal and Belgium, followed by additional games in late May or early June. These matches will precede the team’s participation in the World Cup, which will be co-hosted with Canada and Mexico in the summer.

This impressive performance bodes well as the U.S. prepares for its upcoming challenges on the global stage.