CommBank Socceroos' unbeaten run ended by World No.16 USA
The CommBank Socceroos have finally been defeated for the first time under Head Coach Tony Popovic, falling 2-1 to World No.16 USA at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver, Colorado.
Jordan Bos opened the scoring in the first half, but a brace for Haji Wright consigned Australia their first defeat in over a year.
The match was an important experience for the Socceroos ahead of the FIFA World Cup 26™ that will hold the team in good stead.
Head Coach Tony Popovic made five changes from the side that defeated Canada earlier in the week. Maty Ryan returned to the starting eleven in goal and wore the captain’s armband in his 101st national team appearance. Jason Geria, Jordy Bos, Nicholas D’Agostino and Martin Boyle were the other players who came into the side.
The game started in a similar fashion to the one in Montreal on Saturday. The United States dominated possession, while Australia’s defence shut down any significant opportunities.
The Socceroos absorbed the pressure and struck first. Sheer determination from Jordy Bos saw him win the ball in the penalty area. He was able to drive through the USA defence - in trademark fashion - and finished well for his second international goal.
In the opening stanza, the United States created more opportunities in front of their home fans. Maty Ryan was forced into a full-stretch save in the 30th minute after a long shot off the boot of Timothy Weah.
The skipper couldn’t keep out their next big chance, however. After winning the ball in the centre of the park, USA used their speed to hit Australia in transition. Haji Wright made no mistake from close range and levelled the match.
The contest became increasingly physical as the half drew to a close. Challenges from both teams drew the ire of both the referee and the home crowd, and the half-time whistle presented an opportunity for both teams to settle down and reset.
The Socceroos had a fantastic opportunity in the opening moments of the half. It was industrious work from Bos, who found Connor Metcalfe in time and space on the edge of the area. Metcalfe's shot was blocked, however, and the follow-up from Aiden O'Neill was off target.
The home side took the lead for the first time in the game soon after that chance. A quickly taken free-kick caught out the Australian defence, finding Haji Wright free in the penalty area. A fantastic first touch took him around Cameron Burgess and he made no mistake with the finish.
Popovic made four changes in the 60th minute. Nestory Irankunda, Patrick Yazbek, Ajdin Hrustic and Mohamed Toure were introduced to spark life into the attacking third.
The substitutes saw a change in the momentum. Australia were the team on the front foot for the majority of the second half as they searched for an equaliser.
Lewis Miller was introduced in place of Jacob Italiano as the Socceroos continued to chase the game.
The United States had a chance to seal the game in the 80th minute, but Ryan came up with a huge save with his legs to keep the deficit at one.
There were concerning scenes late after a collision between Bos and USA's Alex Freeman delayed the game for several minutes. Thankfully, both players were okay to continue.
Mitch Duke was the final substitute for Australia, making his 50th international appearance in place of Jason Geria. The attacking player on for the defender precipitated a change in formation, and indicated one last roll of the dice for Popovic.
Nestory Irankunda almost made something out of nothing late, beating several USA defenders with the ball at his feet. His shot was saved by the goalkeeper.
In the end, despite a much-improved second half, the Socceroos were not able to find the equaliser. While it is a disappointing end to their 12-game unbeaten run, valuable lessons have been learned from a competitive international window.
Match Summary
Australia: 1 (5. Jordan Bos 19')
USA: 2 (19. Haji Wright 34', 52')
Australia: 1. Mat Ryan (GK), 5. Jordan Bos, 6. Martin Boyle (9. Mohamed Toure 60’), 7. Nicholas D’Agostino (14. Nestory Irankunda 60’), 8. Connor Metcalfe (10. Ajdin Hrustic 60’), 13. Aiden O’Neill, 16. Max Balard (19. Patrick Yazbek 60’), 20. Jacob Italiano (3. Lewis Miller 78’), 21. Cameron Burgess, 22. Jason Geria, 23. Alessandro Circati
Unused substitutes: 12. Paul Izzo (GK), 18. Joe Gauci (GK), 2. Milos Degenek, , 4. Kye Rowles, 15. Mitchell Duke, 17. Cameron Devlin, 25. Hayden Matthews
Yellow cards: 22. Jason Geria 26’
Red cards:
USA: 24. Matt Freese (GK), 3. Chris Richards, 6. Cristian Roldan (23. Aidan Morris 76’), 8. Weston McKennie (18. Max Arfsten 77’), 10. Christian Pulisic (7. Diego Luna 31’), 12. Miles Robinson, 15. James Sands (4. Tanner Tessmann 64’), 16. Alex Freeman, 19. Haji Wright (20. Folarin Balogun 64’), 21. Timothy Weah (11. Brendan Aaronson 64’), 22. Mark McKenzie
Unused Substitutes: 1. Matt Turner (GK), 25. Chris Brady (GK), 26. Patrick Schulte (GK), 2. Cameron Carter-Vickers, 9. Patrick Agyemang, , 13. Tim Ream, 17. Malik Tillman
Yellow cards: 3. Chris Richards 56’
Red cards: