Mauricio Pochettino was missing some star names from the United States' friendly wins, but they were back to their best for their clubs

When the USMNT plays in a World Cup, there are always some locks, and always some players who come out of nowhere to start games.

It's a statement victory for the USMNT as they stretched their unbeaten run to five games to end 2025. They've hit their stride under Mauricio Pochettino, and no matter who is in the lineup, an identity is forming. Let's take a look at the goals:

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From the biggest matches in the world to an MLS Cup playoff upset, it was a busy week for USMNT stars with their clubs.

With each passing day, new layers of seriousness take shape in the USMNT's environment, the looming deadline of their World Cup opener quickly approaching. The tone shift may seem natural and to some degree, it is, but Pochettino suggested that a lot of behind-the-scenes work went into creating an ideal working environment.

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The last USMNT player to register a goal and an assist in Germany’s top-flight was Jordan Pefok back on Aug. 20, 2022. The former Union Berlin player had a pair of goal involvements to lead his side to a 2–1 win over RB Leipzig.

But an inexperienced USMNT side ran roughshod over the Uruguayans, as defender Alex Freeman scored a brace and was joined on the scoresheet by Sebastian Berhalter, Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann. The goals from Freeman, Berhalter and Tessmann were their first on the international level.

Sebastian Berhalter, Alex Freeman (twice), and Diego Luna tallied in the first half, and Tanner Tessmann added another in the second half of one of the most astonishing U.S. wins in years.

The win sees NYCFC head to the Eastern Conference final for the third time in five seasons, where they will clash with Inter Miami and a red-hot Lionel Messi, who has six goals and as many assists in a record-breaking MLS Cup playoffs so far.

Those games will take place after the USMNT’s World Cup squad is named in late May. Unlike some predecessors, who used the first week of a pre-World Cup camp as a final tryout, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino indicated last week that he plans to select his roster before camp opens.