SEATTLE (AP) — The US national team advanced to the knockout round at the FIFA World Cup despite the absence of injured forward Christian Pulisic, after defeating Australia 2-0 yesterday.A deep US roster overcame Pulisic’s absence to clinch a knockout berth after only two matches for the first time. The last time the Americans served as World Cup hosts in 1994, they advanced by being one of the best third-place teams. They then lost to eventual champions Brazil in their next match, which was in the round of 16.

The United States can make more history and more fans if they defeat Australia in their second World Cup match. The big question is whether Christian Pulisic can play.

The left winger Pulisic was key to the Americans' fluid and effective attack in last week's win over Paraguay. But he was kicked in the calf, left at halftime, and hasn't trained…

The U.S. Men’s National Team got its second win of the tournament on Friday, beating Australia without injured star Christian Pulisic.