Player ratings: Freeman's brace gets 9/10 as USMNT stun Uruguay

A brace from fullback Alex Freeman led the United States to a stunning 5-1 victory over Uruguay on Tuesday at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium.

Highlighted by the efficient use of set-piece plays, the U.S. opened the scoring in the 17th minute when midfielder Sebastian Berhalter launched a shot into the back of the net off a free kick. Three minutes later, Freeman doubled the lead with a headed goal that followed a corner from Berhalter. In the 31st minute, the ever-proactive Freeman stepped up once again with a roaming run that earned his second goal of the night.

Eager for more, the USMNT then made it 4-0 through a goal from Diego Luna in the 42nd minute, shortly before allowing a dramatic bicycle kick from Uruguay's Giorgian de Arrascaeta that solidified a 4-1 scoreline by the midway break.

After half-time, Uruguay's short-lived momentum plummeted with a red card for captain Rodrigo Bentancur. With renewed energy through a one-man advantage and substitutes like Gio Reyna, Tanner Tessmann, and Folarin Balogun, the USMNT capitalized in the 68th minute with a headed goal from Tessman following a Reyna cross.

By the final whistle, a 5-1 win was secured for the North Americans, earning them an eye-catching victory to close out 2025. With the result in hand, U.S coach Mauricio Pochettino and his roster will head into a World Cup year with a five-game undefeated streak.

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Manager rating out of 10

Mauricio Pochettino, 9 -- It's becoming increasingly difficult to criticize Pochettino. There's no doubt that we've seen some stumbles for the coach that has been open about wanting to reset the U.S. culture and roster in 2025, but over the last three windows, we've seen progress. Does he know his ideal best XI? That may not matter for the Argentine whose tinkering has created competition and a five-game unbeaten run. Shifting between a 3-4-2-1 and 4-3-3, Pochettino once again took another chance with his altered XI and it paid off with a statement result.

Player ratings (0-10; 10 = best, 5 = average)

GK Matt Freese, 7 -- He's docked a point or two for a moment of miscommunication in the first half which nearly led to a goal for Uruguay, but Freese shouldn't be too harsh on himself. He wasn't too busy, but did provide a vital save and high claim.

DF John Tolkin, 7 -- Had a few good dribbles on the left flank and connected well with the midfield. He at times went quiet in comparison to his more proactive teammates.

DF Auston Trusty, 7 -- Few problems for the defender that also provided an assist for Freeman.

DF Mark McKenzie, 6 -- Lost his player during Uruguay's lone goal, but had a decent partnership with Trusty in the backline.

DF Alex Freeman, 9 -- Two goals and plenty of defensive work for the roaming fullback. What more could you want from arguably the Man of the Match?

MF Aidan Morris, 6 -- Occasionally looked cautious in the starting XI, but that's likely due to his role in which he had to drop back to support the backline. Should be given credit for his shot on target.

MF Timmy Tillman, 8 -- Tillman created danger with his distribution and had a pivotal tackle that kickstarted one of Freeman's goals. His assist for Luna's goal was technically a slight deflection, but it's still worth noting.

MF Sebastian Berhalter, 9 -- A beautiful goal, pin-perfect assist as the leading set-piece taker, and a handful of crucial recoveries for the midfielder that also stood out with his key passes. Take a bow, Berhalter.

FW Sergio Dest, 8 -- It was a subtle assist to Berhalter, but an assist nonetheless for the fullback that was deployed as a risk-taking right-winger. If needed, he has shown that he can step up in the attack with no defensive responsibilities.

FW Haji Wright, 7 -- Wright did plenty of dirty work as someone who helped fight for the ball and win fouls in dangerous areas. No goals or assists, but still a step forward.

FW Diego Luna, 8 -- At first struggled to connect his passes before adding to the lopsided scoreline through a great run and finish for his goal. Also helped out defensively.