USMNT gets into bench-clearing brawl after Chilean player kicks at goalkeeper in closing seconds of friendly

U.S. men’s national team edges Chile 4‑2 in St. Louis, but post‑game altercation sparks drama

ST. LOUIS – In a lively friendly on Tuesday, September 9, the U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) secured a 4‑2 win over Chile at the St. Louis Sports Complex. The match, part of the U.S. squad’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup, saw a mixture of goal‑scoring excitement and a post‑game melee that left both benches clearing and the referee issuing two yellow cards.

Match recap

The first half finished 1‑1. U.S. forward Chris Richards equalized in the 6th minute of the second half, pulling the U.S. level again at 2‑2. Richards then capped the U.S. side’s attack with a header in the 72nd minute to make it 3‑2. In stoppage time, 17‑year‑old Mathis Albert struck a late goal in the 93rd minute, giving the Americans a 4‑2 victory. Albert’s strike marked a milestone: he became the youngest player ever to score for the U.S. men’s national team.

Post‑game brawl

With five minutes of stoppage time remaining, a loose ball found goalkeeper Brian Schwake as he tried to secure the final seconds of the game. Chilean forward Leandro Hernández, still jogging toward the ball, appeared to tap it away. Richards, who had just scored a goal, saw the tap and reacted angrily. Players from both teams began shoving, and the benches flooded onto the pitch.

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino was caught in the midst of the melee, while midfielder Tyler Adams was among the most animated, captured on camera pointing at Chilean players who were shouting and being restrained by teammates. After a brief, tense stand‑off, the referee managed to separate the parties and calm the situation.

“It’s a crazy situation,” Pochettino said after the final whistle. “When you are winning you have to understand the opponent may go to the line and walk over the line in frustration.” The referee issued