Socceroos suffer first defeat under Tony Popovic in 2-1 loss to USA

The Socceroos have suffered their first defeat under coach Tony Popovic, slipping to a 2-1 loss to World Cup hosts the United States.

A wonderful solo goal from the sensational Jordy Bos gave Australia the lead in the 19th minute, before Haji Wright equalised 14 minutes later.

Wright added a second in the 51st minute to steer the world No.16 US, led by Mauricio Pochettino, to victory at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Colorado.

WATCH BOS’ GOAL BELOW

The Socceroos were unbeaten in their previous 11 games under Popovic, and on a seven-game winning run, and would have been disappointed with their defensive lapses.

But they will take plenty from a window that serves as crucial preparation for next year’s World Cup finals in North America.

Popovic made five changes to the team that beat Canada 1-0, headlined by skipper Maty Ryan replacing Paul Izzo in goals.

Bos, Martin Boyle, Jason Geria and Nick D’Agostino started, with Nestory Irankunda, Mohamed Toure, Milos Degenek and Kye Rowles benched.

The US dominated possession, with the Socceroos midfield struggling to keep a foot on the ball.

Australia scored after James Sands attempted to block a Bos throw-in but the ball skewed off his boot.

Feyenoord gun Bos rushed in to meet it, took a lovely first touch with his chest, then danced around three US defenders, before scoring with a terrific whipped left-footed finish.

Geria was booked for bringing down Christian Pulisic on a counterattack in the 27th minute, with the US skipper forced off minutes later.

The US broke through when the Socceroos lost possession, with Weston McKennie finding Cristian Roldan and the midfielder slipped through Wright to score at the near post.

Six minutes later, Roldan dragged a shot just wide of the far post, and Wright headed a corner over the bar in the 38th minute.

The final minutes of the first half descended into spotfires.

The Socceroos should have restored their lead a minute into the second half after another scything Bos run, only for Connor Metcalfe to have his shot blocked.

The US made Australia pay, taking a quick free kick, with Roldan releasing Wright with a long ball. The Coventry City striker turned Cameron Burgess inside out before coolly finishing past Ryan.

Australia dominated after the goal and Popovic turned to Toure, Irankunda, Ajdin Hrustic and Patrick Yazbek off the bench to add energy.

Bos went on a wonderful run in the 75th minute but was closed down, before Ryan made a big save to deny Diego Luna in the 79th minute

Irankunda dazzled with an enchanting run in the 89th minute but was denied by Matt Freese, and Australia couldn’t find an equaliser.

The Socceroos will return to action in the November window, before the World Cup draw on December 5.