U.S. Falls Again

Americans Conclude the March International Window With Another Defeat

The United States closed out its March international window with another dispiriting result, falling 2-0 to Portugal in a friendly at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday—the country's eighth straight loss to European opposition.

Fresh off a 5-2 dismantling by Belgium just three days earlier, Mauricio Pochettino shuffled his lineup with six changes and made the bold call to deploy Christian Pulisic as a central striker, hoping the positional shift might jolt his star forward out of a prolonged scoring drought. It didn't work. Pulisic was subbed off at halftime, extending his scoreless streak to eight consecutive national team appearances. He hasn't found the back of the net for club side AC Milan since late December, either.

Francisco Trincão broke the deadlock before halftime, capitalizing after a midfield turnover that Bruno Fernandes turned into an assist. João Félix, who came on as a substitute, put the game away in the second half with a polished volley from outside the box off a set piece, a goal that underscored how much space the U.S. defense repeatedly surrendered.

It's worth noting that Portugal was missing both Cristiano Ronaldo, sidelined with injury, and Bernardo Silva, who wasn't included in Roberto Martinez's squad for the window. Yet the visitors still had more than enough quality to control large stretches of the match.

Goalkeeper Matthew Freese, starting ahead of Matt Turner, made several sharp saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse. The result leaves plenty of uncertainty heading into the summer. Pochettino still has two more warm-up matches—against Senegal on May 31 and Germany on June 6—before the World Cup kicks off. The Americans open Group D play on June 12 against Paraguay in Inglewood, with Australia and Türkiye to follow.

McKennie Back on the Scoresheet

Midfielder Scores First National Team Goal Since 2023 in Belgium Defeat

Saturday was a tale of two halves for Weston McKennie—a moment of redemption quickly swallowed by a tide of Belgian dominance.

The Juventus midfielder provided the afternoon's brightest moment for the home side, netting his 12th international goal in the 39th minute to put the U.S. ahead. The finish was characteristically opportunistic: Johnny Cardoso set a pick to free McKennie, who darted in front of Nicolas Raskin and volleyed Antonee Robinson's corner kick past keeper Senne Lammens. It was his first international goal in three years, and the roaring crowd of 66,867 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium responded accordingly.

It was, in many ways, McKennie doing exactly what he does best. At Juventus this season, which has been one of the finest of his club career, he has registered eight goals and five assists in all competitions, operating as a box-to-box force who can arrive late into dangerous areas and make things happen. Saturday's finish was a snapshot of that ability.

But the goal proved to be the high-water mark of his afternoon. McKennie was substituted off in the 70th minute, having completed just 55 percent of his passes, won none of his ground duels and contributed nothing defensively. The stat sheet told a story of a player who flickered without ever truly imposing himself on the contest.

Still, McKennie was measured in his post-match assessment, declining to sound the alarm. "I don't think it's a worrisome result for us, because within the team, we know we can do better," he said. "We know what went wrong, and we also know and believe fully that we can play with a team of this caliber."

Whether McKennie can translate his elite club form into consistent national team performances remains one of the most pressing questions facing the U.S. this summer.

Turner's Harsh Return

 Despite Making a Few Saves, the Goalkeeper Couldn't Slow Down the Belgian Attack

Matt Turner's return to the United States starting lineup on Saturday was one of the most closely watched storylines heading into the Belgium friendly, and it did not go the way anyone had hoped.

Turner, 31, made his first national team appearance since a 4-0 loss to Switzerland last June, ending Matt Freese's run of 12 consecutive starts. Coach Mauricio Pochettino framed the decision as prudent planning. "For the World Cup, circumstances can happen," he said, suggesting the move was more about evaluating a backup option than signaling a change at the top of the depth chart.

To his credit, Turner had moments of genuine quality. He finished with five saves and kept the U.S. competitive during a difficult first half against a dangerous Belgian attack. "I felt like I did have some really good moments," Turner said afterward. "I just wish I could have one or two of them back because I don't think the scoreline really reflected the balance or flow of the game."

Still, five goals went in, and the optics were brutal. Analyst Alexi Lalas was blunt in his assessment, saying Turner "didn't do anything to get the job back or to change anyone's mind," adding that being associated with conceding five goals carries consequences regardless of context.

The situation was complicated further by the shaky defensive setup Turner was working behind. With center backs Chris Richards and Miles Robinson both sidelined by injury, he faced Belgium's attack with a makeshift backline—hardly an ideal test environment.

Turner acknowledged the difficulty with characteristic resilience. "I'm just going to continue to claw and dig," he said, "and nobody does that better than me." Freese is expected to reclaim the starting spot against Portugal on Tuesday.

U.S. Pummeled

Americans Humbled After Belgium Thrashing

The United States men's national team suffered a sobering 5-2 defeat to Belgium on Saturday in Atlanta, a result that raised serious questions about American readiness just 76 days before their World Cup opener.

Weston McKennie gave the hosts a dream start, netting his 12th international goal in the 39th minute by volleying Antonee Robinson's corner kick past keeper Senne Lammens. It was his first international strike in three years. The lead proved short-lived. Defender Zeno Debast equalized just before halftime with a stunning long-range effort, and Belgium never looked back.

The second half turned into a nightmare. Amadou Onana put the Red Devils ahead in the 53rd minute, and Charles De Ketelaere converted a penalty in the 59th after U.S. captain Tim Ream was whistled for a handball. Substitute Dodi Lukebakio then twisted the knife, scoring twice in 14 minutes from distance to make it 5-1 before Patrick Agyemang pulled one back late for the Americans.

Matt Turner, making his first appearance since last summer, endured a rough return between the posts. The defense as a whole crumbled repeatedly under Belgian pressure, and Christian Pulisic, the face of the U.S. program, squandered three clear chances to change the game's complexion.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino tried to keep perspective afterward. "Of course, 5-2 is always difficult to accept. It's painful," he said, adding that feeling that pain might ultimately be valuable.

The result snapped a five-game American unbeaten streak and extended Belgium's winning run against the U.S. to six straight. The last American victory over the Red Devils came at the very first World Cup in 1930. Tuesday brings another stiff test: fifth-ranked Portugal at the same venue.

Berhalter's First Goal

His Curling Effort in the First Half Set the Tone in U.S. Win

Sebastian Berhalter's first international goal carried emotional weight far beyond the scoreline, marking a triumphant moment for the Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder who has steadily worked his way into World Cup contention despite the shadow of family controversy.

The 24-year-old opened the scoring in Tuesday's 5-1 rout of Uruguay with a beautifully executed set piece in the 17th minute. After lining up for a free kick roughly 20 yards from goal, Berhalter played the ball short to Sergiño Dest, who immediately returned it. Berhalter then curled a perfectly struck right-footed effort into the upper corner past Uruguay goalkeeper Cristopher Fiermarin.

"I just had to strike through the ball, and I'm so happy it went in," Berhalter told the U.S. Soccer Podcast. "I can't even put into words, honestly, the feeling of scoring for your country."

Three minutes later, he transitioned from goalscorer to provider, delivering an excellent corner kick that Alex Freeman headed home for the second goal. The performance showcased why Berhalter has become invaluable to Mauricio Pochettino's plans—his set-piece delivery offers a crucial weapon the USMNT has lacked in recent years.

The goal added another highlight to Berhalter's breakout 2025 season, during which he led all Whitecaps players in minutes while setting career highs with 25 starts, four goals, and 11 assists. The moment was particularly sweet given the added context: Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa had previously criticized MLS for making players "lazy," yet his team conceded five goals to an American squad featuring numerous MLS players. Berhalter's goal and subsequent assist proved that MLS talent, including his own contributions, could compete at the highest international level—silencing critics while celebrating a dream come true.

Freese Continues Streak

Goalkeeper Cementing His Position as U.S. No. 1

Matt Freese's remarkable transformation from afterthought to national team starter reached another milestone Tuesday as he made his 12th consecutive start for the USMNT in their 5-1 victory over Uruguay. However, his focus now shifts to an emotionally charged MLS Eastern Conference semifinal as his New York City FC faces his former club, the Philadelphia Union, on Sunday.

Just a year ago, Freese was barely on the radar as Matt Turner appeared locked in as Pochettino's first-choice goalkeeper. But Turner's lack of playing time at Crystal Palace opened the door, and Freese burst through it. His breakout moment came during the Gold Cup quarterfinal against Costa Rica, where he made three crucial penalty saves, earning the nickname "Matty Ice."

Since then, Freese has been unshakeable in his commitment to excellence. During last week's homecoming to the Philadelphia area, he stayed almost entirely in the team hotel, declining family visits and interview requests to maintain his focus.

"I actually didn't see my family, I didn't do anything," Freese confirmed. "I just stayed in the hotel. I'm a bit of a loser, but when I'm in camp, I'm locked in."

Sunday's playoff clash adds personal stakes to professional ambition. Released by the Union in 2022 after their MLS Cup final run, Freese joined NYCFC and was named their MVP last season. Now the fifth-seeded Cityzens face the top-seeded Supporters' Shield-winning Union at Subaru Park—the same venue where Freese shone for the national team just days earlier.

Freeman Shines

Defender Scores Twice in Big Win

Alex Freeman's meteoric rise continued Tuesday night as the 21-year-old Orlando City defender scored twice in the USMNT's dominant 5-1 victory over Uruguay, positioning himself as a genuine contender for next summer's World Cup roster.

Making only his 13th international appearance—just six months after his debut against Turkey—Freeman delivered a performance that showcased both his defensive prowess and attacking capabilities. His first goal came via a towering header from Sebastian Berhalter's corner in the 20th minute. 11 minutes later, he produced an even more impressive strike, deftly dribbling through Uruguay's defense, splitting Barcelona's Ronald Araujo and Manchester United's Manuel Ugarte before finishing clinically from close range.

The two-goal performance earned Freeman his first Man of the Match honors for the national team and capped a remarkable breakthrough year. Recently named MLS Young Player of the Year, Freeman accumulated nine goal contributions for Orlando City while earning MLS All-Star and Best XI selections. His consistency has made him indispensable to manager Mauricio Pochettino, who praised his composure on the ball, saying the team feels relieved when Freeman is in possession.

Freeman's ambitions have grown alongside his profile. A year ago, he simply hoped to break into Orlando's first team regularly. Now, wearing the Stars and Stripes, his focus has shifted entirely toward one objective: making the 2026 World Cup roster.

"For me, obviously, it's making that World Cup roster," Freeman stated plainly. "That's the biggest thing in my head right now, it's the biggest goal I have."

The defender has started every Gold Cup match and all six recent friendlies under Pochettino, consistently demonstrating maturity beyond his years. His combative spirit was evident during a late-game scuffle with Paraguay's Gustavo Gómez, showing he possesses the mental toughness required for international competition. With each performance, particularly his breakout showing against Uruguay, Freeman strengthens his World Cup case considerably.

U.S. Pummel Uruguay

 Three Players Scored Their First International Goals in a Thrashing Over Uruguay

The United States men's national team delivered a stunning performance, crushing Uruguay 5-1 in a friendly at Raymond James Stadium on Tuesday night. The emphatic victory showcased the team's depth as manager Mauricio Pochettino made nine lineup changes from Saturday's win over Paraguay, with only Sergiño Dest and goalkeeper Matthew Freese retaining their starting positions.

Sebastian Berhalter opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a curled effort from a set piece, finding the upper corner to notch his first international goal. Alex Freeman quickly doubled the advantage three minutes later, heading home from Berhalter's corner kick for his inaugural U.S. goal. The Orlando City defender then added a spectacular second in the 31st minute, weaving through multiple Uruguayan defenders before slotting home from close range, giving the Americans a commanding 3-0 lead.

Diego Luna extended the margin to 4-0 in the 42nd minute, calmly finishing a well-constructed team sequence down the left side. Uruguay finally found the net just before halftime when Giorgian de Arrascaeta converted an acrobatic bicycle kick. However, Pochettino expressed frustration about the lapse in concentration during his halftime interview with TNT.

The second half saw Uruguay reduced to ten men when Rodrigo Bentancur received a straight red card in the 64th minute for a dangerous tackle on Berhalter. Substitute Tanner Tessmann capitalized shortly after, heading home a cross from fellow substitute Gio Reyna in the 68th minute to complete the rout.

The victory represents the USMNT's third win over Uruguay in ten all-time meetings and their first since 2002. The result extends their unbeaten streak to five matches against World Cup-qualified opponents, providing tremendous momentum as they prepare to host the 2026 World Cup.

Scuffle to Conclude the Paraguay Match

With the Clock Winding Down, the U.S. Still Did Not Give an Inch

What started as a competitive but controlled friendly between two World Cup-bound nations descended into chaos in the dying moments at Subaru Park on Saturday night, as a dispute over possession sparked a bench-clearing brawl that overshadowed the United States' 2-1 victory over Paraguay.

The incident erupted in the 91st minute when USMNT defender Alex Freeman and Paraguay captain Gustavo Gómez wrestled over a ball that had rolled out of bounds. The match official appeared to signal for an American throw-in, but both players refused to relinquish possession, triggering a physical altercation that quickly escalated.

Within seconds, players from both benches flooded onto the field. Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter and FC Cincinnati defender Miles Robinson were among the first to sprint into the fray, followed by nearly every player from both matchday squads. Punches were thrown amid the melee, and at one point, Freeman shoved a Paraguayan player who had grabbed hold of him outside the main scrum. A bottle was even thrown toward the pitch from the stands during the chaos.

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino became an unintended casualty when he attempted to intervene. After trying to get in front of his players, Pochettino was knocked to the ground near the camera bank. Fortunately, Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro witnessed the fall and helped his counterpart to his feet. "I'm lucky that Alfaro saw me and helped me up," Pochettino said gratefully.

The incident resulted in six yellow cards and a red card for Paraguay's Omar Alderete, who wasn't even in the match as a player. Despite condemning the brawl, goalkeeper Matt Freese praised his teammates' solidarity. "There were a few cheap shots thrown from their end, to be honest," Freese said. "But that's part of being a team, we'll be sticking up for each other no matter the moment."

Gio's Redemption

Reyna Scores on His USMNT Return

Gio Reyna's journey back to scoring for the United States national team has been nothing short of tumultuous, making Saturday's performance against Paraguay all the more significant for the 23-year-old midfielder.

Once considered American soccer's brightest prospect—becoming the youngest American to appear in the Bundesliga at 17 years and 66 days—Reyna's career has been derailed by injuries, controversies and diminishing playing time. His promising start at Borussia Dortmund faded amid fitness issues, and his involvement in the 2022 World Cup saga permanently altered his standing. After then-coach Gregg Berhalter nearly sent him home for poor training effort, Reyna's parents revealed a decades-old domestic abuse allegation against Berhalter, triggering a messy public fallout that temporarily cost Berhalter his job.

Since that watershed moment, Reyna has struggled to find stability. A loan spell at Nottingham Forest yielded minimal impact—just 10 appearances and no goals. He managed only 341 league minutes at Dortmund throughout 2024-25 before making a permanent €7 million move to Borussia Mönchengladbach last August. Even there, he's started just once while battling another thigh injury.

His recall to Mauricio Pochettino's November squad came as a surprise given his lack of game time. Reyna hadn't started for club or country since September 14, and that had been his first start since March. Yet Pochettino's faith proved warranted. Starting against Paraguay marked Reyna's first international start since the Copa América—the final game under Berhalter. Within four minutes, he scored with a header, surpassing his father Claudio's eight international goals. The playmaker then assisted Folarin Balogun's winner in the 71st minute, logging 75 minutes without issue.

"It was an opportunity for me to show that I belong here," Reyna said afterward, crediting Pochettino for giving him "freedom and confidence." For a player desperate to redefine himself beyond injuries and controversy, Saturday represented a crucial step toward redemption and World Cup inclusion.

USMNT Beat Paraguay

Goals From Reyna and Balogun Were the Difference in a "Friendly" Victory

The United States men's national team secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Paraguay on Saturday night in a friendly that ended in dramatic fashion with a bench-clearing brawl at Subaru Park in Philadelphia.

Gio Reyna provided the spark for the Americans, scoring just four minutes into the match—his first international start in 16 months. The 23-year-old, celebrating two days after his birthday, rose to meet Max Arfsten's cross with a header that glanced off goalkeeper Orlando Gill's fingertips and bounced in off the crossbar. The goal was particularly meaningful as it gave Reyna nine career international goals, surpassing his father Claudio's total of eight for the national team.

Paraguay responded quickly, equalizing in the 10th minute when Junior Alonso's long ball found Miguel Almirón, whose cross was headed home by Álex Arce past goalkeeper Matt Freese. The decisive moment came in the 71st minute after substitute Diego Luna forced a turnover. Folarin Balogun collected the loose ball and found Reyna, whose cut-back pass deflected off Damián Bobadilla before Balogun finished to restore the American lead.

The match's intensity boiled over in stoppage time when defender Alex Freeman and Paraguay captain Diego Gómez wrestled for a loose ball near the touchline, triggering a melee that drew both benches onto the field. Paraguay's Omar Alderete received a red card despite not being in the game.

"That type of situation is very, very, very dangerous," said U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, who was knocked into the camera area during the fracas before being helped up by his Paraguayan counterpart Gustavo Alfaro. Despite condemning the brawl, Pochettino praised his team's competitive spirit and noted the importance of such intense matches ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The victory extended the Americans' unbeaten streak to four matches, continuing their positive momentum under Pochettino.

Pulisic Out For At Least Three Weeks

Winger Injured His Hamstring Against Australia, MRI Says the Injury is Low Grade

Christian Pulisic's injury during Tuesday's friendly against Australia has sparked controversy and concern, with AC Milan reportedly frustrated over Mauricio Pochettino's handling of their star player. The American captain was forced off in the 31st minute after suffering a hamstring injury, and subsequent medical scans revealed a low-grade lesion in his right biceps femoris.

Italian outlet Tuttosport reported that Milan officials are "annoyed" with Pochettino's decision to start Pulisic, particularly since the forward was already dealing with an ankle injury that had limited him to a substitute appearance in Friday's match against Ecuador. The club believes the risk was unnecessary given the match was merely a friendly with nothing at stake.

Pulisic will miss at least two weeks of action, ruling him out of Milan's fixtures against Fiorentina and Pisa. AC Milan plans to reevaluate his condition in 10 days, with the possibility of his return for the away match against Atalanta. If cleared, he might also be available for the USMNT's November fixtures against Paraguay and Uruguay.

The injury represents a significant blow for Milan, as Pulisic had been their standout performer this season with six goals and two assists through the club's first seven matches. Pochettino acknowledged the challenging circumstances surrounding the injury, suggesting the drastic climate change from Texas to Colorado may have contributed. "I think it's a thing that is a massive risk," Pochettino told reporters. "I think the [temperature] difference [between Austin and Colorado] and that can affect your body and everything. That is difficult."

The incident has raised questions about player management during international windows, especially when club players are dealing with minor injuries. For Pulisic, who had been enjoying a career-best start to the season with Milan, the timing couldn't be worse, as he risks missing crucial Serie A matches during his absence.

Roldan Unexpectedly Shines

Veteran Midfielder Makes His Case for the World Cup

Cristian Roldan delivered a masterclass performance against Australia on Tuesday, providing both assists in the United States' 2-1 comeback victory and potentially cementing his place in Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup plans. The Seattle Sounders midfielder's display at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park earned effusive praise from the Argentine manager, who declared: "We need players with confidence, with some belief, with a little bit of competitiveness. Cristian is an example of how, if you want to build your perfect player, he has a little bit of everything."

The 30-year-old's evening began inauspiciously when he failed to properly clear a ball that led to Australia's opening goal in the 19th minute. However, Roldan quickly recovered from that mistake, demonstrating the mental fortitude that has defined his career. Just 15 minutes later, he threaded a perfectly weighted through ball to Haji Wright, who converted with a first-time finish to equalize.

His second assist showcased his exceptional awareness and quick thinking. After a foul in the American half, Roldan immediately spotted Wright's run and delivered a precise long ball into the channel, allowing the striker to score what proved to be the winning goal. Roldan's performance extended beyond just his two assists. He narrowly missed scoring twice himself in the first half—once with a long-range effort that beat goalkeeper Mat Ryan but sailed just wide, and again with a curling shot from inside the box that barely missed the top corner.

The midfielder completed an impressive stat line before being substituted in the 76th minute. He completed 47-of-52 passes, won all four duels, while adding five recoveries and two interceptions. "I'm riding the wave," Roldan said afterward, reflecting on his remarkable resurgence after a two-year absence from the national team.

U.S. Handle Australia

Wright's Brace, Both Assisted by Roldan, Help the USMNT See Past Australia

The United States secured an impressive 2-1 victory over Australia on Tuesday night at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park in Colorado, with striker Haji Wright delivering a decisive brace to halt the Socceroos' 12-match unbeaten run. The triumph marked a significant achievement for Mauricio Pochettino's squad, representing their first comeback win under the Argentine manager.

The match began poorly for the hosts when Australia's Jordan Bos capitalized on a defensive mishap in the 19th minute. After his own throw-in was poorly cleared by James Sands, the Feyenoord defender seized the loose ball inside the penalty area and fired home a left-footed strike to give the visitors an early advantage.

The Americans' situation grew more concerning when captain Christian Pulisic was forced off in the 30th minute with a lower leg injury, having been on the receiving end of several heavy challenges. However, his replacement, Diego Luna, helped energize the attack, and just three minutes after entering, the U.S. found its equalizer.

Cristian Roldan, who orchestrated both goals, slipped a perfectly weighted through ball to Wright in the 33rd minute. The Coventry City striker finished clinically with the outside of his right foot to level the contest. Roldan's creativity shone again early in the second half when he quickly restarted play after a foul, launching a long pass down the right wing that Wright ran onto. The forward cut inside his defender and curled an exquisite left-footed finish into the far corner for his seventh international goal.

Goalkeeper Matt Freese preserved the victory with crucial saves, including a stoppage-time denial of Nestory Irankunda's close-range effort. The result extended America's winning streak in Colorado to seven matches. It provided valuable momentum as Pochettino continues building toward the 2026 World Cup on home soil, with upcoming November friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay.

Balogun Shines Again

Forward Scores Again as USMNT Battles Back Against Ecuador

Folarin Balogun's emergence as a pivotal force in the U.S. men's national team continued Friday night, as the forward scored his second goal in as many games to secure a 1-1 draw against Ecuador. The performance earned widespread praise from teammates and coach Mauricio Pochettino, who highlighted the striker's multifaceted contributions beyond simply finding the back of the net.

Pochettino was effusive in his assessment of Balogun's impact, emphasizing that "his work ethic is amazing in the way that he is always available in every single aspect of the game, with and without the ball." The AS Monaco forward's 71st-minute equalizer, converting Malik Tillman's cross, capped an influential outing that showcased his physical presence and tactical intelligence.

Tim Weah underscored Balogun's value as a game-changer, noting that his speed and aggressive approach create opportunities for the entire team. "He's running behind, fighting with defenders. I think it helps us. Hopefully, we can build on this performance, and we can feed him some more," Weah said. Weston McKennie reinforced this assessment, explaining that Balogun's ability to stretch defenses with his pace provides crucial relief for his teammates. "Having a nine like that gives a lot of relief to the team," McKennie observed.

The significance of Balogun's performance extended beyond individual accolades. Pochettino noted that the match represented a milestone in his tenure, marking nearly a year since taking the helm of the program. The coach emphasized how the team's discourse had evolved, saying, "We are here talking about actions, concepts, formations. After one year, I am so happy that we don't talk about other things like commitment, attitude."

Against an Ecuador side unbeaten in 12 matches and that finished second in South American qualifying, the USMNT's resilient display suggested the team is building momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Balogun's consistent contributions have become central to that progression.

U.S. Holds Ecuador to a Draw

USMNT Came Back to Draw With Ecuador in Encouraging Display

The U.S. men's national team demonstrated significant progress in their World Cup preparations, battling back from a first-half deficit to secure a 1-1 draw against Ecuador on Friday at Q2 Stadium in Austin. The result, while not a victory, showcased the attacking prowess and resilience that coach Mauricio Pochettino has been working to instill.

Ecuador opened the scoring in the 24th minute when veteran forward Enner Valencia capitalized on a counterattack, beating goalkeeper Matt Freese at the far post after racing past defender Chris Richards. The Americans created opportunities in the first half but couldn't convert, with Ecuador's goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez making several crucial saves to preserve his team's lead.

The U.S. transformed the match after halftime, applying consistent pressure and eventually breaking through in the 71st minute. Malik Tillman's assist set up Folarin Balogun, who finished clinically from close range to equalize. Pochettino praised his team's intensity, saying "We were so brave in trying to go forward, try to find the space," and noted that "I think we improved in the second half. I think we dominate the game in all the aspects."

Balogun's performance particularly impressed the coaching staff. Pochettino highlighted the AS Monaco striker's commitment, noting "his work ethic is amazing in the way that he always is available in every single aspect of the game, with and without ball."

The match featured notable absences, including star forward Christian Pulisic, who entered late due to an ankle injury, and forward Alejandro Zendejas, who departed camp after suffering a knee injury. Despite these setbacks, the display represented an encouraging step forward for the Americans as they prepare for upcoming friendlies against Australia and then Paraguay and Uruguay in November.

Balogun Shows His Importance

Striker Was a Bright Spot Against South Korea, Scored Against Japan

Folarin Balogun's performance against Japan demonstrated exactly why he's become indispensable to the USMNT attack. After a late call-up to replace the injured Brian White, the Monaco striker seized his opportunity, scoring the crucial second goal and showcasing the complete skill set that's been missing from the American striker position for years.

Balogun's 64th-minute finish, set up perfectly by Christian Pulisic's weighted through ball, capped an impressive display that highlighted his exceptional movement and timing. Teammates raved about his ability to make intelligent runs behind defenses, constantly putting opponents on their heels and creating space for others.

What sets Balogun apart is his versatility. While most comfortable running at goal, he's developed his hold-up play considerably, checking back to receive pressure-relieving passes and combining effectively with teammates in tight spaces. The contrast between Saturday's listless performance against South Korea and Tuesday's dynamic showing was stark, with Balogun's presence being the key factor. After battling injuries and missing previous camps under Mauricio Pochettino, his return injected renewed optimism into the striker position.

His sixth international goal marked his first start under Pochettino. It reinforced his status as the undisputed number one option up top, with teammates and coaches alike recognizing how significantly he elevates the team's attacking capabilities in the lead-up to the World Cup.

Zendejas Shines

Winger Scores the Winner, Which Was His Second International Goal

Alejandro Zendejas delivered a statement performance against Japan, scoring a stunning opening goal and earning Man of the Match honors in the USMNT's 2-0 victory. The El Paso native showcased exactly why he deserves more opportunities on the international stage.

The Club América winger's 30th-minute strike was a moment of pure technical brilliance. Meeting Max Arfsten's perfectly placed cross, Zendejas executed a difficult first-time volley from the center of the penalty area, guiding the ball into the lower corner with his left foot while under defensive pressure. The goal ended a frustrating eight-match scoring drought across both club and country.

Born in Ciudad Juárez before relocating to El Paso as a child, Zendejas has built an impressive club career in Liga MX, winning league championships in four of the past five seasons with América. However, his international career has been marked by limited opportunities, with this being just his second goal in 13 appearances for the United States.

Under Mauricio Pochettino's management, Zendejas had received only one previous call-up, making this performance particularly significant. His work rate, technical quality, and ability to operate effectively as a dual number 10 alongside Christian Pulisic demonstrated his versatility and value to the squad. The performance vindicated Zendejas's patient approach, having previously expressed respect for the coach's decisions while focusing on performing whenever opportunities arose.

Victory Over Japan

US Rolls Past Japan With Goals From Zendejas and Balogun

The United States Men's National Team bounced back from its disappointing loss to South Korea with a convincing 2-0 victory over Japan at Lower.com Field in Columbus. Playing in front of over 20,000 fans, the USMNT delivered a much-needed performance that showcased improved cohesion and attacking intent.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino implemented significant tactical changes, deploying a three-back formation and making five lineup adjustments from the previous match. The modifications paid dividends as the team displayed greater fluidity and purpose throughout the contest.

Alejandro Zendejas broke the deadlock in the 30th minute with a spectacular first-time volley, converting a precise cross from Columbus Crew defender Max Arfsten, who thrived playing at his home venue. The goal ended a lengthy scoring drought for Zendejas and provided crucial momentum.

Christian Pulisic orchestrated the attack effectively, eventually setting up Folarin Balogun for the insurance goal in the 64th minute with a perfectly timed through ball. Balogun's clinical finish doubled the advantage and secured his sixth international goal.

Goalkeeper Matt Freese contributed several important saves to preserve the clean sheet, while substitutes Jack McGlynn and Damion Downs nearly extended the lead with quality chances late in the match. The victory improved Columbus's fortress-like record for the USMNT and provided optimism heading into October's fixtures against Ecuador and Australia.

Japan Will Be a Tough Opponent

Second Friendly Could End With a Second Defeat in September

The United States faces another formidable challenge when they host Japan on Tuesday at Lower.com Field in Columbus, seeking to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to South Korea.

Japan arrives as the 17th-ranked team in FIFA's world rankings and was the first nation outside the host countries to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The Samurai Blue bring impressive recent form, having won 14 of their last 17 competitive fixtures since their Asian Cup exit in February 2024. Their defensive solidity has been particularly noteworthy, recording five clean sheets in their previous six matches while conceding just two goals across eight games this year.

Under coach Hajime Moriyasu, Japan has developed into a well-organized unit that excels in transition play. They demonstrated their quality against Mexico on Saturday, creating numerous chances despite settling for a scoreless draw. The Japanese have maintained an unbeaten streak of 13 consecutive games when scoring first and have trailed in only two matches since March 2024.

This marks just the fourth meeting between these nations, with Japan holding a 2-1 advantage in the all-time series. Their most recent encounter in September 2022 ended in a convincing 2-0 Japanese victory, a performance that team members later described as representing their ideal World Cup football. Both teams advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.