In a match that lacked the excitement of the opener against Trinidad and Tobago, the United States Men’s National Team still managed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia during the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage at Q2 Stadium in Austin.
Despite the high ticket prices keeping attendance at just over 50% capacity, the victory marked the U.S.’s sixth consecutive win in Austin, solidifying their success on home turf.
Unlike the earlier match that saw the U.S. demolish Trinidad and Tobago 5-0, scoring opportunities were limited against Saudi Arabia. However, a crucial goal from a set piece in the 63rd minute proved enough for the win. Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards netted the header, but the highlight of the moment was the assist from a familiar face.
Fans of Austin FC may recall a young midfielder who made his mark early in the franchise’s history, the son of former U.S. national team coach Gregg Berhalter. That player is Sebastian Berhalter, who has enjoyed a breakout season with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
At just 24, Berhalter has not only tallied four goals and six assists this season but also shone in a man-of-the-match performance against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. His contributions in that match included involvement in all three goals of a 3-1 victory.
With his first call-up to the national team, Berhalter made an international impact in a stadium where he briefly played during his MLS career.
Sebastian Berhalter began his career with Austin FC on loan from Columbus Crew in early 2021, stepping into the professional landscape amidst significant changes. Although his impact was minimal at the time, with no goals or assists in 18 appearances, his experience in Austin was formative.
Reflecting on this time, he stated, “[It was] probably the most important part of my career. I don’t think I was in my best spot in that moment. And, you know, for me, it was a really big learning lesson.”
Before his stint with Austin, Berhalter’s rookie season was overshadowed by being largely sidelined while Columbus Crew won the MLS Cup. Transitioning to Austin, he welcomed the challenge of being part of a new expansion team under head coach Josh Wolff, with whom he had prior connections.
“I felt vulnerable. And you know, I had a lot to learn, and kind of reset,” Berhalter shared, highlighting his growth during that challenging period.
Critics may view Austin’s decision not to exercise their purchase option on the player as short-sighted; however, it arguably spared him from an even more complicated situation that arose a year later when a public feud erupted involving his family and Austin’s former sporting director, Claudio Reyna.
“I had a chance in Vancouver. You know, they took a chance on me, and I’m forever thankful for that,” Berhalter commented, emphasizing the role Vancouver played in his development.
Berhalter now seeks to establish himself within a competitive U.S. midfield as the national team prepares for the 2026 World Cup. With key players like Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah currently absent, Berhalter is one of several players striving to secure a spot on the roster.
Under the guidance of USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, he has made significant progress and is gaining respect among his seasoned teammates.
“I’m proud of him,” Richards stated after the match against Saudi Arabia. “I think being a coach’s son can be really difficult. And I think he’s proved everybody wrong and then some. I think he fully deserves the flowers [he’s] getting right now, and hopefully it continues.”
The victory over Saudi Arabia not only secured a spot in the Gold Cup knockout stage for the U.S. but also serves as a platform for Berhalter, allowing him to showcase his growth on a larger stage. As the team aims for a significant trophy just months before hosting the 2026 World Cup, he looks to leverage his learning experiences into further accomplishments on both club and national levels.
image source from：austinchronicle
