Following a Saturday defeat to South Korea by a score of 2-0, the U.S. men’s national team aimed to rediscover its winning form. Tuesday’s contest carried significant importance, with the U.S. seeking stability and fan support. The USMNT achieved this, securing a 2-0 victory against Japan.
Prior to the game, midfielder Tyler Adams stated that the team required a victory, and the Americans delivered. The triumph over Japan, currently ranked No. 17 in the FIFA rankings, ends a difficult series of losses against teams in the top 25.
From the start, Tuesday’s game contrasted sharply with the team’s challenging start on Saturday, during which the U.S. conceded both South Korean goals in the first half. The USMNT appeared more organized and composed on the field, even against a disciplined Japanese team.
The U.S. found its opportunity in the 30th minute, as Alejandro Zendejas scored a remarkable goal to open the scoring.
The team maintained its momentum in the second half. Folarin Balogun secured another excellent finish in the 64th minute, thanks to a great assist from Christian Pulisic.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese also contributed significantly to the victory, making six saves and strengthening his position as the primary goalkeeper.
In contrast to Saturday, the U.S. displayed greater aggression on offense, achieving 11 shots on target out of a total of 19. Japanese goalkeeper Keisuke Osako, with an impressive nine saves, limited the USMNT to just two goals.
The win also represents a potential turning point for USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino. After several months of evaluating potential lineup combinations, this game showcased improved team cohesion compared to previous matches. Pochettino, who previously dismissed certain criticisms of the team, now has a valuable win and can breathe a sigh of relief as he moves forward into the remainder of the fall.
Looking ahead, Pochettino will have a wide range of players to select from in preparation for the 2026 World Cup next summer. Zendejas and Folarin became the 16th and 17th different players to score for the U.S. under Pochettino, across just 18 games, according to OptaJack.
After concluding the September window with a victory, the USMNT will regroup in October to face Ecuador and Australia, followed by matches against Paraguay and Uruguay in November.
