ESPN.com · Sep 10, 2025
Pulisic rates 9/10 as Japan win gets USMNT back on track
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Goals from Alejandro Zendejas and Folarin Balogun led the United States men's national team to a 2-0 victory over Japan in a friendly at Columbus, Ohio's Lower.com Field on Tuesday.
Following Saturday's 2-0 loss to South Korea, the USMNT quickly bounced back with a more proactive attack through an experimental 3-4-3 formation. In a first half that included 63% possession, the home side created danger through high-pressing full-backs Max Arfsten and Alex Freeman. After a clever dribble from Arfsten in the 30th minute, the 24-year-old launched a cross that found Zendejas, who impressively volleyed the ball into the back of the net.