The United States picked up a big 2-0 win over Japan in a friendly at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday night — a result that gives Mauricio Pochettino’s side some good news to end the September international window.
Alejandro Zendejas and Folarin Balogun provided the goals and Christian Pulisic the spark for a U.S. side coming off a disappointing 2-0 loss to South Korea on Saturday.
Zendejas opened the scoring on the 30-minute mark with a brilliant — and desperately needed — finish for the U.S., firing home from the center of the area on a first-time volley from a Max Arfsten cross.
At the other end of the field, U.S. keeper Matthew Freese came up big on several occasions to keep the Americans in the lead, with none bigger than his reflex save on Junya Ito‘s close-range effort shortly before the half.
Zendejas’ goal — his second in 13 appearances for the U.S. — ended his 8-game drought for club and country.
Pulisic teed up Balogun for the USMNT’s second goal, rolling a perfectly weighted through ball behind the Japanese defense for the Monaco striker to run onto and finish from a tight angle.
Pochettino made five changes from the XI that started against South Korea, and the team looked more dynamic and creative throughout the match thanks in large part to the play of Zendejas, Balogun and Pulisic.
The U.S. will regroup in October for two more friendlies — against Ecuador and Australia — as it continues to prepare to co-host next summer’s World Cup with Mexico and Canada.
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