Haji Wright just made Mauricio Pochettino’s life a lot more complicated.
The Coventry City striker scored twice as the United States men’s national team beat Australia 2-1 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Colorado. Wright’s brace capped off the October international window and gave Pochettino a genuine headache at the striker position heading into 2026.
This was Wright’s answer to Folarin Balogun’s stellar performance earlier in the window. The competition for that starting striker spot just got real.
The Good and the Bad
The USMNT went down early again, just like they did against Ecuador. But this time, they bounced back convincingly. Wright’s two goals lifted the Americans to their third straight game unbeaten against FIFA top-25 opposition.
The only sour note? Christian Pulisic went down injured in the first half. A tactical foul forced him off after just 28 minutes. That’s a tough break for both Pulisic and AC Milan, who need him healthy.
The Americans face Paraguay next month as World Cup preparation rolls on.
Player Ratings Breakdown
The Back Line
Matt Freese (GK) – 6.8
Probably frustrated about conceding early, but he made a huge save late to deny Australia an equalizer. Should get another start in November. Needs to string together some clean sheets before Thanksgiving.
Miles Robinson (CB) – 6.6
The FC Cincinnati defender got another start and looked solid. Accurate with his passing. Strong in the air. If Pochettino sticks with three center backs, Robinson has a real shot at being part of that rotation.
Chris Richards (CB) – 7.0
Richards stood up for his teammates when things got chippy in the first half. His comments earlier this window about taking friendlies seriously resonated with fans. He’s making a strong case for the captaincy.
Mark McKenzie (CB) – 6.6
McKenzie replaced Tim Ream in the starting lineup. Led the back three with 107 touches and completed 81 of 94 passes. Solid numbers.
The Midfield
Alex Freeman (RM) – 7.1
The 21-year-old Orlando City defender was active down the right side. He keeps making his case for a spot on the 2026 roster. Young guys stepping up is exactly what Pochettino wants to see.
Cristian Roldan (CM) – 8.8
A lot of people questioned this selection. Roldan made them all look foolish. He assisted both Wright goals. That should earn him another call-up and more playing time going forward.
James Sands (CM) – 6.4
Came in for Aidan Morris but faces a tough battle. There’s a lot of midfield talent competing for spots. Sands needs to stand out more to secure his place.
Tim Weah (LM) – 7.0
Dangerous in transition. Created chances. Remains a crucial piece in Pochettino’s system. His pace and versatility make him valuable.
The Attack
Weston McKennie (RW) – 6.7
McKennie roamed all over the field, linking play in different phases. Same role as against Ecuador. Wonder if Pochettino drops him deeper into midfield next time.
Haji Wright (ST) – 9.0
Man of the match. Two goals. Complete performance. Wright just gave Pochettino a genuine decision to make at striker. Balogun had his moment against Ecuador. Wright answered emphatically.
Christian Pulisic (LW) – 6.3
An injury cut short his night after 28 minutes. Frustrating window for him personally. But the team showed real progress in October, which has to please him.
The Substitutes
Diego Luna (31′ for Pulisic) – 6.7
Tanner Tessmann (64′ for Sands) – 6.0
Folarin Balogun (64′ for Wright) – 5.7
Brenden Aaronson (64′ for Weah) – 6.6
Max Arfsten (76′ for Roldan) – 5.8
Aidan Morris (76′ for McKennie) – 6.5
The Striker Battle Heats Up
This is the storyline everyone needs to watch heading into November.
Balogun was excellent against Ecuador. Wright just matched that performance with his own statement game. Both strikers are making compelling cases.
Pochettino now has options. Real options. That’s a good problem to have.
Wright brings physicality and an aerial presence. He’s clinical in the box. His two goals weren’t lucky bounces—they were quality finishes.
Balogun offers pace and movement. He stretches defenses. His link-up play creates space for others.
The competition between these two will push both of them to improve. That benefits everyone.
Looking Ahead
Three straight games unbeaten against top-25 teams. That’s progress. That’s momentum.
Paraguay comes next in November. Then the real preparation for 2026 kicks into higher gear.
Pochettino has decisions to make. Who starts at striker? Does the three-center-back system stick? Where does McKennie fit best?
These are good questions to have. It means there’s depth. It means there’s competition. It means guys are stepping up when given chances.
Wright made his case Sunday night. Two goals. Pochettino noticed. Everyone noticed.
The battle for that starting striker job just got a whole lot more interesting. For more information, visit Net Sports 247.
