Balogun, Freeman lead USMNT to 2-0 halftime lead vs. Australia

SEATTLE -- Folarin Balogun continued his torrid start to the 2026 World Cup with an aggressive run that led to an own goal and spurred the United States to a 2-0 halftime lead against Australia at Seattle on Friday.

Balogun, who started in the attack along with Ricardo Pepi, beat the Australian defense down the left wing in the 11th minute. His pass into the six-yard box was deflected by Swansea City defender Cameron Burgess into the net for an own goal. While Burgess was hit with the own goal, Pepi was positioned for an easy goal had the ball not been deflected.

Thirty-two minutes later, defender Alex Freeman provided the second goal off a header by beating Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach to a loose ball off a free kick. Initially ruled offsides, the call was overturned following a lengthy video review.

Freeman's third international goal came just a few minutes after he and Australian midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler were tended to after colliding heads. After laying on the turf for several minutes, both players ultimately stayed in the game.

But it was Balogun's run that provided the breakthrough for a U.S. attack that continually put pressure on the Australian defense in a spirited start to the first half. While the Aussies got the first shot on target in the opening minute of the game from Mohamed Toure, it was easily saved by goaltender Matt Freese.

The momentum quickly switched in favor of the U.S. at that point, with Bolugun's speed along with aggressive pressing from defender Antonee Robinson continuing to put pressure on Australia's back line. The Socceroos played four defenders and received help from the midfield but were constantly challenged by the speed of the U.S.

After Australia attacker Matt Leckie was not shown a card following a questionable challenge on U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams in the eighth minute, defender Jordan Bos was given a yellow for a hard tackle on Weston McKennie eight minutes later.

The U.S. played the strong first half despite not having the services of star forward Christian Pulisic (calf). Pepi started in his place.

NOTES: This is the first meeting between the teams in meaningful competition. They have played four friendlies, with the U.S. notching two victories, Australia one and the other ending in a draw.

--Derek Harper, Field Level Media