Scuffle to Conclude the Paraguay Match

With the Clock Winding Down, the U.S. Still Did Not Give an Inch

What started as a competitive but controlled friendly between two World Cup-bound nations descended into chaos in the dying moments at Subaru Park on Saturday night, as a dispute over possession sparked a bench-clearing brawl that overshadowed the United States' 2-1 victory over Paraguay.

The incident erupted in the 91st minute when USMNT defender Alex Freeman and Paraguay captain Gustavo Gómez wrestled over a ball that had rolled out of bounds. The match official appeared to signal for an American throw-in, but both players refused to relinquish possession, triggering a physical altercation that quickly escalated.

Within seconds, players from both benches flooded onto the field. Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter and FC Cincinnati defender Miles Robinson were among the first to sprint into the fray, followed by nearly every player from both matchday squads. Punches were thrown amid the melee, and at one point, Freeman shoved a Paraguayan player who had grabbed hold of him outside the main scrum. A bottle was even thrown toward the pitch from the stands during the chaos.

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino became an unintended casualty when he attempted to intervene. After trying to get in front of his players, Pochettino was knocked to the ground near the camera bank. Fortunately, Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro witnessed the fall and helped his counterpart to his feet. "I'm lucky that Alfaro saw me and helped me up," Pochettino said gratefully.

The incident resulted in six yellow cards and a red card for Paraguay's Omar Alderete, who wasn't even in the match as a player. Despite condemning the brawl, goalkeeper Matt Freese praised his teammates' solidarity. "There were a few cheap shots thrown from their end, to be honest," Freese said. "But that's part of being a team, we'll be sticking up for each other no matter the moment."