NYCFC teammates make MLS World Cup history in USMNT vs Australia clash

With the USMNT's 2-0 victory over Australia, Mauricio Pochettino's side secured its place in the Round of 16 of the World Cup, regardless of what happens in its next match.

While most of the attention is on the result itself, MLS was also represented in this game through two players, one for the US and the other for Australia.

The two players who achieved this new milestone are Matt Freese and Aiden O’Neil, both of whom played for the New York City FC.

Matt Freese and Aiden O’Neil put the MLS on the map once again.

In the United States' victory over Australia, both players mentioned above were included in the starting lineup for their respective national teams.

Meaning that by taking the field for the Group D clash, New York City FC's Matt Freese (United States) and Aiden O'Neill (Australia) became the first pair of active MLS teammates to start against one another in a FIFA World Cup match.

Freese had little to do, as Australia rarely threatened and showed minimal attacking intent.

On the other hand, O’Neil had a bad match as he was surpassed many times by the USMNT players. Although the truth is that every one of the Australian players was overtaken by the US footballers.

This is great news for the MLS because it proves that the league’s talent is there; they just needed to show it where people will be watching.

Just recently, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul showcased the league’s growing influence; tonight, it was Freese and O’Neil.

The trend is clear: MLS is exceeding previous expectations and changing minds about the league’s caliber.

Thanks to the World Cup, more fans are likely to start following American soccer more closely. In fact, the international tournament has attracted viewers who may tune in for the second half of the MLS regular season and watch matches more often.

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