SEATTLE (AP) \u2014 Alex Freeman may not have one-upped his famous father yet, but he could be on his way.<\/p>\n
The son of Super Bowl champion wide receiver Antonio Freeman scored on a header for the United States in its 2-0 World Cup win<\/a> over Australia on Friday. It was the third international goal for Freeman, the Americans\u2019 youngest starter at age 21.<\/p>\n With the U.S. leading 1-0 in the 43rd minute, Antonee Robinson sent a free kick to Sergi\u00f1o Dest, who fired a shot from just outside the penalty area. The ball deflected off an Australian defender and high into the air, and Freeman leaped<\/a> \u2014 high-pointing the ball, in NFL terms \u2014 and headed it past the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Patrick Beach and into the net.<\/p>\n A replay review for offside delayed Freeman\u2019s celebration, but the goal was confirmed,<\/a> and Lumen Field shook as Freeman ran to a corner of the field, surrounded by jubilant teammates.<\/p>\n \u201cHe deserves it,\u201d U.S. defender Chris Richards said. \u201cHe\u2019s had a great tournament so far and a great progression throughout the last year.\u201d<\/p>\n Freeman called it \u201ca full-circle family moment.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor me, it just shows how great the family tree is,\u201d he said. \u201cHe can be great but I can be great in my own way as well. I think that just shows how amazing it is to have a dad who\u2019s successful and that can mentor me to be able to be ready for moments like these.\u201d<\/p>\n Antonio Freeman played nine NFL seasons, mostly with the Green Bay Packers as a favorite target of quarterback Brett Favre. They won the Super Bowl together after the 1996 season, with Freeman hauling in an 81-yard touchdown pass from Favre that gave the Packers the lead for good against the New England Patriots.<\/p>\n Antonio Freeman was one of the pioneers of the Packers\u2019 signature celebration, the Lambeau Leap. Now his son has a signature jump of his own.<\/p>\n Alex Freeman spent much of the last two years vying for a spot on the U.S. roster. He was a starter for Orlando City of Major League Soccer, but had to battle with more experienced defenders to get selected. A few months before the World Cup, he gambled on himself.<\/p>\n In January, Freeman accepted a move to Villarreal<\/a> of La Liga, accepting a smaller role than what he enjoyed with Orlando.<\/p>\n Two months earlier, Freeman impressed U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino in his 13th international appearance, scoring two goals against Uruguay in a 5-1 victory<\/a> on Nov. 18.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s so humble. He wants to learn. He always listens,\u201d Pochettino said. \u201cHe\u2019s a player that you really enjoy being with him. Not only coaching, but being with him. He\u2019s a lovely guy, and he\u2019s an amazing player.\u201d<\/p>\n Freeman made an immediate impact in the World Cup, playing all 90 minutes in the U.S. opener against Paraguay. He assisted on Gio Reyna\u2019s extra-time goal in the 4-1 victory.<\/p>\n \u201cAs long as he continues to develop and he\u2019s able to show he\u2019s doing it on the big stage,\u201d striker Folarin Balogun said, \u201cI think he\u2019s going to have a bright future.\u201d <\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n Ben Kule is a student in the University of Georgia\u2019s Carmical Sports Media Institute.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n