Freeman’s goal, which extended the red, white, and blue’s lead shortly before halftime, was initially disallowed as offsides. However, a video review showed he was even with the Socceroos’ back line at the time of teammate Sergiño Dest’s shot from the top of the box, which caromed off a defender before Freeman followed up and headed the ball home.
“It was surreal, knowing that I was able to contribute to my team in any way I can,” Freeman told Fox Sports’ Tom Rinaldi of the goal following the victory. “Obviously at first it was disallowed, so I was kind of anxious when it went to VAR (video assistant referee). And then just to be able to celebrate the whole thing with my teammates, I think that just made it come together as a whole and made the experience. I’m happy I could contribute to a clean sheet, not only a clean sheet, but a win.”
Freeman, 21, now has three international goals and also tallied an assist in the U.S. men’s national team’s opening-game win over Paraguay.