Orlando City Defender Alex Freeman Nets His First Two USMNT Goals

It was a big night for Orlando City right back Alex Freeman and his United States National Team mates, as the Yanks dominated Uruguay 5-1 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Freeman scored the USMNT’s second and third goals of the night to break open a close game and the United States went on to put Uruguay on full blast at the expense of Freeman’s former Orlando City teammate, Facundo Torres, who came on as a second-half sub for Uruguay.

Sebastian Berhalter, Diego Luna, and Tanner Tessmann also scored for the United States.

“Obviously, I think it was something special, playing in my home state,” Freeman said about the brace in a television interview on TNT after the match. “Playing in Florida, I think it was something I had to show out. For my career, it’s just something I can add to my column, you know, getting this match ball and being able to get a goal for my national team, especially with my family here. So, it’s just been a good thing and I hope we can build on it.”

The U.S. led 1-0 on a well-worked set piece goal by Berhalter when Freeman struck for the first time in a USMNT uniform. Berhalter served in a beautiful corner kick service that the defender rose to meet, sending a header back against the grain and into the net in the 20th minute to double the lead.

Freeman extended the U.S. lead to 3-0 in the 31st minute, taking a pass near the left corner of the penalty area, losing his defender, and powering a shot into the back of the net.

From there, the USMNT cruised, despite giving up a late goal in the first half to make it 4-1 just moments after Luna had made it 4-0. The U.S. took complete control in the second half after Uruguay went a man down through a straight red card. Tessman tacked on a fifth for the only goal of the second half off a fantastic assist from substitute Gio Reyna.

The team wrapped up 2025 in the right way. It was easily the best performance by the U.S. since Mauricio Pochettino took over as head coach and a great sign that the United States can be effective against good opponents heading into 2026.

“I feel like it’s important to build our chemistry, but also to build our confidence,” Freeman said. “As a national team we need to build confidence with one another. It’s been a couple of different rosters (in this window). I feel like the last two games, not only did we play good, but I feel like we dominated the games. And so to be able to get those wins in those situations, it’s great for the team.”

With his brace, it was no surprise that Freeman was named Man of the Match.