ST. LOUIS – Mauricio Pochettino’s first U.S. match of his second term as coach marked almost a dozen debuts and Saturday’s 4-1 win over Peru in Central Florida. Two rookies scored, other rookies excelled and a mix of veterans and prospects earned rave reviews at the opening of the new quadrennial World Cup cycle.
It was the night of youth, hope and future.
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The friendly, though, marked his 19th international appearance by the 25-year-old midfielder – quite ancient by the standards of the current US roster.
Ten minutes after coming on as a sub, Sebastian Berhalter popped a delightful pass to teenager Julian Hall for the third goal. In the 90th game, from the far edge of the penalty area, Berhalter scored a sensational strike with dazzling pace and meticulous accuracy to beat all expectations to victory.
About 16 months ago, Berhalter was a late-emerging prospect from Major League Soccer who nervously reported to the first U.S. camp at any age level ahead of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Like other newcomers, he looked to veterans Tim Ream, Tyler Adams and Chris Richards for guidance and direction.
Fast forward to this four-match camp in 16 days: He is a veteran presence with a World Cup target, a rising club career in England’s north-east and increasing leadership responsibilities.
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Returning to his first camp, Berhalter said, “These guys were my role models, people I always wanted to play with. They showed me the ropes. … [Now] I do it for young men. It came so quickly. I didn’t think it would come so soon to be able to show people what it means to play for this country.”
As he tried to establish himself in club and international circles, Berhalter was primarily known as the son of former USA coach Gregg Berhalter. It was a label that overshadowed him for a while. From a close-knit family where his father helped shape his career, he adopted it.
But with his performances, production and growth, Sebastian has risen to the forefront of the family, one step ahead of his father, the second-year coach of the Chicago Fire.
Young Berhalter and a young USA squad will face Chile in St. Louis on Tuesday, Mexico on Saturday in the Phoenix area and Canada on Oct. 6 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
“I’m still that kid who wants to do anything for his country,” he said. “Nerves aside, it was just trying to do my best and fill in the gaps where the team needs me. And whenever I get a chance to play, I do my best.”
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What he did on Saturday in Orlando helped seal the emphatic victory. With the USA in a fragile lead, Berhalter tackled a pass from the right and fired a cross into the six-yard box – goalkeeper Pedro Gallese was too quick and too far to intercept. The ball crossed to the far post, where Hall turned it into the net with his right knee.
Hall then returned the favor by crowding the box before laying the ball off to Berhalter after a build-up. With plenty of space and time, Berhalter fired a right-footed shot that rose into the air and headed a flying Gallesen into the right side of the net.
Describing his increasingly dangerous shot from distance, Berhalter said, “It’s countless hours and countless tries and tries to get a feel for what’s right. And then repeating it, and also watching different videos — watching your teammates, watching them hit the ball, and then seeing what works for you. For me, that’s definitely something I wanted to add.” the better [at] over the years.”
Before that, Berhalter’s attempt went wide. The next bid was pure and clean – his third international goal after scoring in a friendly against Uruguay at the end of 2025 and against Turkey in the final World Cup group stage game.
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“I was confident he was going to hit the second one well because the first one was a little off,” teammate Damion Downs said. “As soon as I am [saw] touch, I mean I’m not surprised because I see it every day. I was just happy for him at that moment.”
Berhalter arrived at the camp from England’s second-flight club Middlesbrough, who signed him from the Vancouver Whitecaps after the World Cup. With three other Americans working there – midfielder Aidan Morris, left-back Max Arfsten and midfielder Rokas Pukštas – Boro became known to some as “Middle America”.
During this international window, Middlesbrough sent members of their communications staff to the States to chronicle their activities.
“It almost feels like a fake European experience because you’re with your guys every day,” Berhalter said. “Aidan [who arrived two years ago] crashed the whole city. He knows where to go and where not to go. It’s fun. We enjoy it and we have a good team. We have a definite goal of rising by the end of the year.”
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After losing to Hull City in the promotion final last season, Middlesbrough are looking to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2016-17. With a record of 4-1-3, the club is in third place in the 24-team circuit. Three will advance.
Making his debut on 7 August, Berhalter started and assisted in a 1–0 win over Wrexham in the League Cup. In the Premier League, he assisted in a 1–1 draw at Burnley and scored twice in a 4–3 win over Norwich City. In all competitions, he started eight times and was subbed twice.
“Big switch,” Berhalter said. “How much they love football there. The intensity of it is unbelievable and they live, breathe and eat it in a small town. It’s fun. There are games every other day and it’s annoying. But that’s what you want as a player.”
So is the star of your national team.