Introduction to the USMNT Victory
After seven games without a positive result against a top-25 team, the U.S. men’s national team got in the win column. The USMNT on Tuesday beat Japan 2-0 in Columbus, Ohio, in a friendly, with goals coming from starting forwards Alex Zendejas and Folarin Balogun.
The Lineup and Tactics
Manager Mauricio Pochettino went with a new lineup, using a back-five formation with Tim Ream, Chris Richards and Tristan Blackmon at center-back and Max Arfsten and Alex Freeman at wingback. Cristian Roldan and Tyler Adams played as a double-pivot midfield with Balogun, Zendejas and Christian Pulisic the three attackers.
The Game Highlights
The scoring started in the 30th minute when left wingback Arfsten beat his man, then sent in a whipped cross with his left foot. Right winger Zendejas took it on a first-time volley and brilliantly finished into the bottom left corner with his stronger left foot, securing his second international goal.
Both teams had chances of their own following Zendejas’ opener, but U.S. goalie Matt Freese did well to keep out Japan’s superior opportunities.
Second Half and Conclusion of the Game
It paved the way for the second goal to arrive via Balogun in the second half. After Japan made three changes in the 62nd minute to bring on stars Kaoru Mitoma, Takumi Minamino and Daichi Kamada, Balogun slotted home the second in the 64th following Pulisic’s through ball from the left flank. The U.S. stayed in cruise control from there, with Jack McGlynn nearly scoring a fantastic curler from the edge of the box before Damion Downs came close to finishing a brilliant team move.
Performance Analysis
But 26-year-old Japan goalie Keisuke Osako saved his team from potentially suffering a blowout loss, as he recorded a whopping nine saves. The U.S. finished the game with 19 total shots and 11 on target. Four of them were big chances, but three were missed. For comparison’s sake, Japan logged 11 shots with six on target but missed its only big chance of the contest.
Future Prospects and Doubts
Still, the Stars and Stripes can use the result to build momentum heading into the October break as Japan didn’t use usual starters Zion Suzuki, Ko Itakura, Takefusa Kubo and Wataru Endo. Kamada, Minamino, Mitoma, Shuto Machino and Yukinari Sugawara all came off the bench but played under half an hour. Next up for the U.S. is the October international break where it will face World Cup-qualified nations in Ecuador and Australia. Ecuador is one of the best defensive sides in international soccer, while Australia should be a win regardless of the lineups.
Expert Insights
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Conclusion
The USMNT’s victory over Japan is a positive step forward, but doubts linger due to Japan’s rotated lineup. The team’s performance will be put to the test in the upcoming October international break against Ecuador and Australia. With the right strategy and momentum, the USMNT can continue to build on this win and make a stronger presence on the global stage.
FAQs
- Q: Who scored the goals for the USMNT in the game against Japan?
A: Alex Zendejas and Folarin Balogun scored the goals for the USMNT. - Q: What formation did Manager Mauricio Pochettino use for the game?
A: Pochettino used a back-five formation with a double-pivot midfield. - Q: What is the USMNT’s next schedule?
A: The USMNT will face Ecuador and Australia in the October international break. - Q: Did Japan use its full-strength lineup?
A: No, Japan did not use its usual starters and instead rotated its lineup.
