Player Ratings and Match Highlights

The United States Soccer shocked the international soccer world with a historic 5-1 blowout of Uruguay Football. The Americans were two steps ahead all night against a nation that prides itself on its soccer culture.

Sebastian Berhalter set the tone with a 17th-minute screamer to put his team up earlier before Alex Freeman, Diego Luna, and Tanner Tessmann joined in on the fun in this stunning result.

It was a statement win for the Americans under a manager who is coming off a string of impressive results over the past few camps.

The USMNT were coming into this clash winners of three of their past four games under head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Pochettino made nine changes to his team after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Paraguay.

The United States faced a Uruguayan team that eliminated them from the Copa América, which led to the firing of Gregg Berhalter. Marcelo Bielsa‘s squad has already clinched a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and recently tied Mexico Football during this November camp.

Several players on both teams had eye-opening performances tonight at Raymond James Field in Tampa, Florida, and the USMNT has now faced the South American giants four times in its history, moving to 1W-1L-2D overall. To say the least, it was a full team effort on both sides that led to this shocker.

Match Statistics

Match Highlights

United States Player Ratings

GK – Matt Freese – 6/10

Matt Freese was definitely at fault for the goal, but the New York City FCkeeper did well in possession. Freese does need to find more chemistry with his back line before the World Cup, when that is solidified. Nonetheless, he is this team’s clear-cut No. 1 keeper.

CB – Alex Freeman – (Man of the Match) 10/10

Alex Freeman had two fantastic goals, putting on his best Lionel Messi impersonation during the second one. The Orlando City SC man has been a key part of this cultural change under Mauricio Pochettino and was terrific on both ends of the field against one of the best teams in South America. It’s hard to give Freeman anything but a ten.

CB – Mark McKenzie – 7.5/10

Mark McKenzie was largely stable at the back and very good in possession, but he was at fault for the goal. But it was still an excellent performance for the Toulouse Football Club defender, who should be a roster lock for the World Cup so long as he can stay healthy.

CB – Auston Trusty – 7.5/10

The Celtic FC man finally got an opportunity to start for the Americans, and aside from a miscommunication on the one Uruguay goal, he was a steady, physical presence at the back. This is kind of formation benefits a player of Trusty’s talent.

RWB – Sergino Dest – 8/10

The PSV Eindhoven right back was dynamic going forward and savvy at getting back. Sergiño Dest has largely Sebastian Berhalter to thank for his 17th-minute assist, but is perfect for Pochettino’s current formation.

CM – Timothy Tillman – 6.5/10

Timmy Tillman was thrown into the deep end with his surprising call-up this November camp. After some shaky moments at the beginning, he played a huge role in winning the midfield battle against this top-15 squad.

It’s not out of the question that Tillman is called up alongside his brother again.

CM – Sebastian Berhalter – 9/10

The 24-year-old midfielder overcame a somewhat nervy start to score a golazo for the Americans and then had a terrific corner kick for an assist to put them up 2-0. Toni Kroos would be proud. Pochettino has a lot of good problems in the midfield after this showing from Sebastian Berhalter.

LWB – John Tolkin – 7.5/10

With the uncertain health status of Antonee Robinson, the United States needed some more security at left back, which makes this performance by John Tolkin all the more encouraging.

The 23-year-old was very good on the ball, excellent with his defensive pressure, and had plenty of dangerous crosses during this signature win.

RW – Aidan Morris – 7/10

Aidan Morris’ energetic pressing caused several turnovers throughout the night, setting the tone for the Americans. The 24-year-old certainly fits the culture that Pochettino is building in the States.

LW – Diego Luna – 8/10

Diego Luna put in a fantastic effort the entire game and had a well-deserved goal to put it well out of reach. The Real Salt Lake winger plays with a passion for his country that can never be underestimated.

ST – Haji Wright – 6/10

Haji Wright was proactive in pressing and getting back, but struggled in the final third. Nonetheless, the Coventry City striker had a productive shift this evening.

SUB – Tanner Tessman – 7/10

Tanner Tessmann made an instant impact on his first goal with the senior team and is certainly trending towards a roster lock after any quality performance.

SUB – Gio Reyna – 7/10

Gio Reyna had a terrific pass for his team’s fifth goal. It has been a phenomenal November camp for the 22-year-old, and he is firmly back in the picture for the 2026 World Cup.

SUB – Max Arfsten – N/A

SUB – Brendan Aaronson – N/A

SUB – Cristian Roldan – N/A

Uruguay Player Ratings

GK – Cristopher Fiermarin – 4/10

The Deportes Tolima keeper couldn’t do much about the goals they gave up, but he had very few saves on the evening when given the opportunity.

RB – Nahitan Nandez – 3/10

Nahitan Nandez the tone early with his physicality, but that certainly changed quickly as he was constantly under attack on the left flank in the first half. He was turned completely around on Alex Freeman’s second goal.

CB – Ronald Araujo – 4/10

Ronald Araújo thoroughly dominated in the middle almost the whole game, which is perplexing for a player of his quality. With an even cleaner performance from Haji Wright it could’ve been even worse.

CB – Mathias Olivera – 3/10

The SSC Napoli defender looked out of his depth against a team that, on paper, was less talented. Mathias Olivera was at fault for multiple goals against a squad playing with a lot more pride.

LB – Matias Vina – 3.5/10

Matias Vina was less than sure-handed in possession and constantly on his heels down the right side by Sergino Dest and company. And he did not handle it well.

CM – Manuel Ugarte – 4/10

The Manchester United man was slow and sloppy most of the night in a very discouraging performance for one of the best players on this team. Aside from a few dangerous tackles, the Americans were the quicker and more physical team in Tampa Bay.

CM – Rodrigo Bentancur – 4.5/10

Rodrigo Bentancur was his usual physical self and fine in possession, but he was still part of the problem for a squad that may have just gotten its coach sacked. The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder did almost score a banger in the second half, and then followed that up with a red card when the game was realistically over.

CAM – Giorgian De Arrascaeta – 6/10

The only player who deserves a mildly positive grade. Giorgian De Arrascaeta was the most dangerous going forward for Uruguay and scored a phenomenal bicycle kick before halftime.

RW – Rodrigo Zalazar – 5.5/10

Rodrigo Zalazar was Uruguay’s second-best player, who had caused some problems in the tackle, and eventually assisted on the bicycle-kick goal.

LW – Maximiliano Araujo – 4/10

Maximiliano Araujo rarely created any dangerous moments to test Sergino Dest, who should be susceptible to counterattacks against this type of opponent. Like the rest of his team, he lost several winnable duels and failed to put up much resistance with his pressing.

ST – Federico Vinas – 4.5/10

Federico Vinas was a non-factor almost all night and was then subbed in shortly after the first half. It wasn’t really the Real Oviedo forward’s fault, considering the lack of service, but we can’t give him a positive score for his invisibility.

SUB – Joaquín Piquerez – N/A

SUB – Emiliano Martínez – N/A

SUB – Facundo Torres – N/A

SUB – Brian Rodríguez – N/A