If the United States men’s national team fan base wasn’t excited prior to Tuesday’s game against Uruguay, they are now.
MORE — Match recap, video highlights | What we learned from Paraguay win
Mauricio Pochettino scored a decisive win over his mentor Marcelo Bielsa, as the USMNT’s 5-1 win in Florida may well be their most impressive friendly result this decade.
There weren’t really poor days among the USMNT, especially considering they were missing a raft of star players, but let’s talk about the stars of the show.
USMNT player ratings vs Uruguay
Matt Freese: 6 — Sometimes you have to tip your hat to that goal, even if you helped open the door to it. Only needed to make one save and merely recorded 26 touches.
Mark McKenzie: 7 — If you would’ve told me that McKenzie would finally get his start against Uruguay, I would’ve been prepared to watch it under a microscope. Instead, he didn’t have to do much at all against a very good opponent. Steady and good with the ball. Nice to see him get the arm band.
Auston Trusty: 8 — Assist aside, he opened some eyes by showing his passing range in addition to bearing his teeth. Well done.
Alex Freeman: 9 — Didn’t just score two goals — he scored two goals while going inside as part of a back three. Dream night, and Pochettino used him in a manner similar to that of Chris Wilder when Sheffield United impressed the Premier League with their marauding center backs.
John Tolkin (Off 74'): : 7 — His best day in a USMNT shirt. Busy and antagonistic.
Sergino Dest (Off 61'): : 8 — Now further removed from his ACL injury, it’s safe to say he’s back to his best. So creative.
Aidan Morris (Off 89'): : 7.5 — Led the U.S. in defensive contributions and was quite tidy in possession.
Timothy Tillman (Off 75'): : 6.5 — Created a chance and got his shot on target.
Sebastian Berhalter: 9 — That goal. Wow. The Yanks are at a point where they have to think about having his set-piece service in the team. There very well may be a game at the World Cup where he starts because of that skill.
Diego Luna (Off 61'): : 7 — So much fun to watch, if a little under his sharp standards on the night. Good goal.
Haji Wright (Off 60'): : 6 — A quiet night after drawing an early free kick. They scored five goals and he wasn’t one of the scorers, which just feels wild.
Subs
Folarin Balogun (On 60'): 6 — Just wasn’t a day for center forwards.
Giovanni Reyna (On 61'): 7 — From the outside to the World Cup roster in one week? Potentially. Another assist.
Tanner Tessmann (On 61'): 8 — I’ll say it. I think he has to start. I know the midfield is strong but he’s special.
Max Arfsten (On 74'): N/A
Brenden Aaronson (On 75'): N/A
Cristian Roldan (On 89'): N/A
