Auston Trusty made Philadelphia Union history on Thursday night, becoming the first Union Homegrown to score in a FIFA World Cup as the United States fel to Türkiye by a 3-2 margin in its Group D finale.
Trusty was one of three Philadelphia Union alumni to start for the United States, joining Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie in the starting XI as the Americans closed out group-stage atop Group D.
The historic moment came early, with Trusty opening the scoring off a corner kick. Sebastian Berhalter served the ball into the box, where Trusty reacted quickly and finished from close range to put the United States ahead. The goal marked a milestone moment for the Philadelphia Union development pathway, with the former Homegrown defender becoming the first player signed to a Union Homegrown contract to score on soccer’s biggest stage.
Türkiye responded quickly, leveling the match in the 10th minute through Arda Güler. The European side then grabbed the lead in the 31st minute when Orkun Kökçü found the back of the net, sending the United States into halftime trailing for the first time in the tournament.
The Americans found their response shortly after the break. Berhalter, who assisted Trusty’s opening goal, brought the USMNT level in the 49th minute to make it 2-2 and shift momentum back toward the group winners. From there, the United States looked destined to finish the match with a draw but Türkiye nabbed a winner on the final play of the match.
Despite the result, the match was a memorable night for the Union’s presence at the FIFA World Cup, with Trusty, Aaronson and McKenzie all starting in a decisive group-stage match for the host nation. Trusty’s goal added another historic first for the club at the tournament, continuing a run that has already seen Union Homegrown Matt Freese start in goal for the USMNT and multiple Union-connected players feature on the world stage.
The Stars and Stripes now must quickly turn their attention to the knockout rounds with a showdown against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on Wednesday, July 1, at 8 p.m. ET.
Fans can cheer on the USMNT during the knockout rounds at Soccer Celebration presented by Michelob ULTRA. Union Yards will host a free watch party for the United States’ Round of 32 match, featuring the Giant LED Screen, live entertainment, and “Flavors of the Matchday,” with complimentary tickets available through SeatGeek, the Philadelphia Union’s official ticketing partner.
