"Haji Wright scored goals either side of half-time to help the United States defeat Australia 2-1 in a friendly on Tuesday night. The Coventry City striker's brace helped the hosts overcome Jordan Bos' 19th minute opener, with both goals assisted by midfielder Cristian Roldan. The win for the U.S. extended its unbeaten streak to three games, while Australia saw its own 11-game run under manager Tony Popovic come to an end."
"After Folarin Balogun scored in each of his last two U.S. games, it was beginning to look like he had gained some separation in the race to secure the starting striker spot. It was perhaps a bit puzzling then when Pochettino decided to hand Wright a start in Balogun's place. After all, Wright hadn't started for the U.S. since September of 2024 against New Zealand."
"The move proved to be a master stroke, as Wright scored twice, though it wasn't obvious at the start. In the opening minutes Wright looked a bit lost, and seemed oddly reluctant to exploit the space in behind that the Australia back-line was giving him. But Wright stuck to his task, latching onto a through ball from Roldan in the 33rd minute to score with his right foot past Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan."
Haji Wright scored twice to give the United States a 2-1 friendly victory over Australia in Commerce City. Both goals were assisted by Cristian Roldan and overturned Jordan Bos' 19th-minute opener. The U.S. unbeaten streak extended to three matches, while Australia's 11-game run under Tony Popovic ended. The result marked the first time in nine games that the U.S. won under Mauricio Pochettino after conceding first. Pochettino started Wright ahead of Folarin Balogun, despite Balogun's recent goals and Wright's lack of starts since September 2024 against New Zealand. Wright struggled early but connected with Roldan's through ball in the 33rd minute to score past Mathew Ryan.
Read at ESPN.com
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