Five Things to Know: USMNT vs. Australia
Here’s everything you need to know before the USMNT faces Australia on Tuesday, Oct. 14 in Commerce City, Colorado
Here are five storylines heading into Tuesday’s matchup:
1. The USMNT Looks to Create More Mile High Magic
The USMNT played most recently on Oct. 10 in Austin, Texas, where the program has never lost in seven matches. Now, the group heads west to another spot where they’ve had great success in program history. The USMNT has won seven of eight all-time matches in Colorado, including the last six straight. The only two states in which the USMNT has won seven or more consecutive matches are California (nine consecutive from 2006-2009) and Washington (seven consecutive from 2002-2016).
2. Feeding Off the Energy
The atmosphere at Q2 Stadium, home of Austin FC in Major League Soccer and the site of the USMNT’s last match, was electric. The match was a sellout and those in attendance brought the energy, erupting in “U-S-A!” chants that lifted the team in its rally after going down a goal. Tuesday’s meeting with Australia has the chance to create another memorable atmosphere. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. MT at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, home of the Colorado Rapids in Commerce City where, just like Austin, the USMNT is undefeated.
3. Folarin Balogun Has a Chance to Go Three-for-Three
4. Australia is a World Cup Caliber Opponent
For the second straight match this window, the United States will face a top 25 team bound for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Australia enters Tuesday’s meeting ranked No. 25 in FIFA, just one place below the USMNT’s most recent opponent, Ecuador. Back in the summer, Australia qualified for the World Cup and, similar to Ecuador, enters the matchup with the U.S. on a hot streak. The Socceroos arrive to Colorado on a 12-match unbeaten run dating back to March 21, 2024. Australia has won its last seven straight matches, including most recently a 1-0 victory over Canada on Oct. 10 in Montréal.
TRACKER: Which nations have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
5. The USMNT Will Look to Be More Clinical with the Final Pass
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino was happy with his team’s response in the draw against Ecuador, calling the performance “serious” and “professional.” The head coach also said there are details where his team can improve, aspects like communication and being more precise in the final third. The USMNT dominated the stat sheet against Ecuador, outshooting La Tri 11-8 and holding 66.2 percent of the possession. The United States is creating opportunities and moved the ball fluidly Friday. Being more clinical in the final third could very well lead to more attacking success for Pochettino’s squad.
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