The U.S. Men’s National Team enjoyed a quartet of friendly wins during the September-October international break and several players led the way in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.
Julian Hall and Sebastian Berhalter were among the standout performers from the recent window, setting the standard for what Pochettino hopes is a positive 2030 cycle. Both players were influential as the Americans earned victories over Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada, registering their first four-match winning streak since 2024-25.
Hall was among one of 13 players to make their senior debuts over the past two weeks, setting several records along the way. Berhalter, one of the seasoned veterans in the squad, was one of the USMNT’s creative players on the offensive side of the field.
Malik Tillman, Mathis Albert, and Alex Freeman
Here is a closer look at the USMNT’s winners from the quartet of matches during the September-October window:
Julian Hall
18-year-old Julian Hall might have made his senior debut during the window, but he looked like a seasoned pro.
Hall scored in three-consecutive matches, finding the back of the net against Peru, Chile, and Mexico. The New York Red Bulls forward also registered one assist and came close to adding to his statistics in the final match of the window against Canada.
Hall’s versatility, strength, and pace were all on display as he gave USMNT fans a major glimpse of his long-term potential in the squad.
Sebastian Berhalter
Sebastian Berhalter is quickly becoming one of the USMNT’s leading creators.
Berhalter scored two goals and added two assists over the quartet of matches, continuing his large role under Pochettino. The veteran midfielder scored against Chile and Peru, while also registering one assist in each match, finishing tied with Hall at four goal contributions apiece during the window.
Not only does Berhalter bring a strong defensive work rate to the field, but he has continued to show his quality on the ball.
It will be interesting to see whether or not Berhalter can carry his international form over to club level with Middlesbrough this fall/winter.
Malik Tillman
One of the USMNT’s leading performers at last summer’s FIFA World Cup, Malik Tillman doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon.
Tillman registered a pair of goals in the four matches, remaining a key creative weapon in the final third. After scoring the decisive goal from the penalty spot against Peru, Tillman dialed his own number against Mexico, capping off a memorable 3-0 victory over El Tri.
Tillman’s club form may not be where he wants it right now, but his international form remains on another level.
Mathis Albert
At 17-years-old, Mathis Albert has a bright and long future in front of him.
Albert scored his first senior USMNT goal and also drew one penalty kick over the four matches, becoming one of the youngest goalscorers in program history. The Borussia Dortmund attacker’s lone start of the window came against Canada, where he showed a strong work rate on and off the ball.
Alongside Cavan Sullivan, Hall, and Adri Mehmeti, Albert showed that the USMNT’s next generation can be very scary for years to come.
Alex Freeman
Playing time doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon for Alex Freeman.
The 22-year-old Villarreal defender started in three of his four appearances over the window, registering one assist in the 1-0 triumph over Canada. Freeman extended his current appearance streak to 25 matches, remaining a consistent defender for the USMNT backline.
Freeman looks to be remaining the USMNT’s No. 1 right back heading into the November window, a strong testament to his work rate and improvement on both sides of the field.
Who do you think impressed in the group stage other than these five players? Do you expect all five of these players to be part of the November CONCACAF Nations League window?
Share your thoughts below.
