Matt Freese, Aiden O'Neill, and James Sands featured as the USMNT beat Australia | OneFootball

On Tuesday, New York City FC saw three of their players earn caps for their national teams in the friendly between the United States men's national team and the Australian national football team. Matt Freese started for the USMNT in goal, and James Sands, who is out on loan with FC St. Pauli, started and played 64 minutes in the midfield. Then, Aiden O'Neill, who is arguably Sands' replacement in the defensive midfield, started and played the entire match for Australia.

The match itself was anything but friendly. Both national teams wanted to win, and it was full of drama, testiness, and a few clashes among the players. In the end, the USMNT came out on top, winning 2-1.

NYCFC played in the USMNT-Australia game

At first, after a questionable performance with the national anthem, it felt like the friendly might be another disappointing result. Jordan Bos put Australia in front first in the 19th minute after one defensive mistake after another, which started with a failed clearance from Sands. Nobody in the Stars and Stripes backline could stop Bos, and the Australian easily put the ball past Freese.

Thankfully, the USMNT looked like they had a game plan and stuck with it. Haji Wright, who has been shining with Coventry City Football Club, finally had his moment to soar with the national team. The forward scored a brace to tie the match and put his team ahead. His two goals were enough, and unlike the mistake that led to Australia's goal, the US ensured that it would not happen for a second time.

It must be mentioned that Sands might have been a part of the costly mistakes that led to the goal, but otherwise had an okay performance. He had moments where his interventions and defensive work aided the Stars and Stripes in regaining possession. He did have an 89% successful passing percentage, one block, and one interception.

Meanwhile, Freese also had an okay game. He made two saves, but after the goal was given up, the USMNT defense did well to protect their keeper.

However, it was O'Neill who shined out of the three NYCFC players. The Australian bossed around the midfield like he owned it, but was critical defensively. He had four tackles, four recoveries, and two interceptions. He also had two long-range shots, which he has done with the Pigeons. Overall, the midfielder played extremely well.

It was also a fun battle to watch. Freese and O'Neill obviously are teammates now, and with Sands out on loan, he was able to play with his keeper again. Of course, most of the NYCFC fans were probably happy to see the USMNT grab the win.