Despite Christian Pulisic’s absence, US beats Australia to advance to World Cup knockout round

SEATTLE (AP) — The U.S. national soccer team advanced to the knockout round at the World Cup despite the absence of injured forward Christian Pulisic, beating Australia 2-0 on Friday.

Alex Freeman, the son of Super Bowl champion wide receiver Antonio Freeman, scored on a header for the U.S. It was the third international goal for Freeman, the Americans’ youngest starter at age 21.

ALEX FREEMAN MAKES IT 2-0 AMERICA! 🇺🇸

The goal is confirmed for the @USMNT after a VAR check! pic.twitter.com/jTGJxaXk52

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026

With the U.S. leading 1-0 in the 43rd minute, Antonee Robinson sent a free kick to Sergiño Dest, who fired a shot from just outside the penalty area. The ball deflected off an Australian defender and high into the air, and Freeman leaped — high-pointing the ball, in NFL terms — and headed it past the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Patrick Beach and into the net.

A replay review for offside delayed Freeman’s celebration, but the goal was confirmed, and Lumen Field shook as Freeman ran to the corner, surrounded by jubilant teammates.

Antonio Freeman played nine NFL seasons, mostly with the Green Bay Packers as a favorite target of quarterback Brett Favre. They won the Super Bowl together after the 1996 season, with Freeman hauling in an 81-yard touchdown pass from Favre that gave the Packers the lead for good against the New England Patriots.

Antonio Freeman was one of the pioneers of the Packers’ signature celebration, the Lambeau Leap. Now his son has a signature jump of his own.

Alex Freeman spent much of the last two years vying for a spot on the U.S. roster. He was a starter for Orlando City of Major League Soccer, but had to battle with more experienced defenders to get selected. A few months before the World Cup, he gambled on himself.

In January, Freeman accepted a move to Villarreal of La Liga, accepting a smaller role than what he enjoyed with Orlando.

Two months earlier, Freeman impressed U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino in his 13th international appearance, scoring two goals against Uruguay in a 5-1 victory on Nov. 18.

He made an immediate impact in the World Cup, playing all 90 minutes in the U.S. opener against Paraguay. Freeman assisted on Gio Reyna’s extra-time goal in the 4-1 victory.

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