The U.S. Men’s National Team bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Japan at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio, just days after their setback against South Korea. In response to Saturday’s game, Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino implemented an experimental 3-4-3 formation, which gave the Americans a sharper attacking edge.
After months of lineup tinkering, the squad showed more cohesion than in recent games. In the 30th minute, Max Arfsten sliced through Japan’s defense before delivering a pinpoint cross that Alejandro Zendejas volleyed in the net. The lead doubled in the 64th minute when Hershey native Christian Pulisic set up Folarin Balogun for the finish, sealing the win.
With World Cup preparations in full swing, USMNT will return next month for friendlies against Ecuador (Oct. 10) and Australia (Oct. 14), before closing the year with matches against Paraguay and Uruguay in November.