USMNT’s Alejandro Zendejas celebrates after scoring during the first half against Japan at Lower.com Field on Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio.
(John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF via Getty Images)
After a 2-0 loss to South Korea on Saturday, the U.S. men’s national team hoped to get its mojo back with a win. Tuesday’s game had a win-or-go home feel to it, as the U.S. tries to find its footing and keep the fans on board — and the USMNT was able to deliver, with a 2-0 win over Japan.
Advertisement
Pregame, midfielder Tyler Adams told the broadcast that the team needed to get a win, and win they did. The victory over Japan, the No. 17 team in the FIFA rankings, breaks a tough streak of losses against top-25 teams.
From kickoff, Tuesday’s game felt like a far cry from the team’s tough start on Saturday, when the U.S. allowed both Korean goals in the first half: The USMNT looked more organized and more controlled on the pitch, even against a controlled Japanese side. The U.S. found its opening in the 30th minute, as Alejandro Zendejas slotted home a beautiful goal to open the scoring.
The team kept up the momentum in the second half as well. Folarin Balogun got another excellent finish in the 64th minute, off a great assist from Christian Pulisic.
By the time the final whistle blew, it was almost a sigh of relief as the U.S. held on for the much-needed 2-0 win.
Advertisement
Goalkeeper Matt Freese also pitched in significantly for the win, getting six saves and continuing to cement his place as the first-string goalkeeper.
The U.S. was much more aggressive on offense this time, getting 11 shots on target out of 19 in total. Japanese goalkeeper Keisuke Osako, who had a stunning nine saves, was the only person holding the USMNT to only two goals.
This story will be updated.
Source link
