Overview

• Haji Wright scored twice after Jordan Bos’s early opener to give the No. 16 United States a 2-1 win at high-altitude Denver.
• The defeat ended Australia’s 11-match unbeaten start under Tony Popovic, which featured a seven-game winning streak after World Cup qualification.
• Popovic said the performance showed Australia can compete at the World Cup and judged it stronger than the recent victory over Canada.
• The coach noted younger substitutes struggled with the conditions while senior players coped better, after Nestory Irankunda entered and fashioned a late chance.
• Australia’s preparations continue to emphasize rotation and evaluation, with Paul Izzo preferred to Maty Ryan and Jacob Italiano debuting in the earlier 1-0 win in Montreal.