COLUMBUS, Ohio — The U.S. Men’s National Team found its footing again on Tuesday night, defeating 17th-ranked Japan 2-0 at Lower.com Field before a lively crowd of 20,192. Goals from Alex Zendejas and Folarin Balogun delivered the result, closing out the September window with a much-needed victory after a lackluster showing just days earlier against South Korea.
The contrast between the two performances could hardly be starker. On Saturday in Harrison, New Jersey, the Americans were beaten 2-0 by South Korea in front of a crowd dominated by visiting fans. Defensive miscues and a lack of sharpness in attack drew heavy criticism, raising questions about the team’s readiness with the World Cup less than a year away. Tuesday’s response in Columbus, however, showed resilience — though it didn’t completely erase lingering concerns.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino made five changes to the starting lineup, rewarding several players who entered as substitutes against Korea. Zendejas, Balogun, Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, and Cristian Roldan all started, while Columbus Crew fullback Max Arfsten earned a memorable nod in his home stadium. Alongside veteran leaders Christian Pulisic, Tim Ream, and Tyler Adams, the reshaped XI looked energized from the opening whistle.
The U.S. pressed high and nearly broke through inside the first two minutes. Freeman chased down a chipped ball from Adams, forcing Japan’s back line into early retreat. Arfsten, cheered loudly by the home crowd, settled quickly into his role, combining with Ream to create turnovers that sparked counterattacks. Balogun and Pulisic both had early chances, but Japan’s goalkeeper Keisuke Osako held firm.
Persistence paid off in the 30th minute. Arfsten beat his man on the wing with a sharp stepover and whipped in a left-footed cross that found Zendejas at the penalty spot. The Texas native met it cleanly, hammering a volley past Osako to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead. It was just the second international goal for Zendejas, and the moment electrified the Lower.com Field faithful.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese was equally vital, making four first-half saves to preserve the lead, including a reflex stop on Kaishu Sano’s header. Japan pressed for an equalizer but couldn’t find a way through.
The Americans doubled their advantage in the 64th minute. Pulisic, influential throughout, burst down the sideline before threading a perfect through ball to Balogun. The striker slowed his run just enough to slot a low shot into the far corner, tallying his sixth international goal and sealing the match.
Substitutes Diego Luna, Sergiño Dest, Jack McGlynn, and Luca de la Torre injected more energy, nearly adding to the scoreline as the U.S. finished with 19 total shots. Though a third goal never came, the defensive organization and attacking intent marked a clear improvement from Saturday’s defeat.
Still, questions remain. The USMNT has struggled for consistency, especially against top-25 opposition, and while Columbus once again proved a reliable fortress — 11 wins in 15 matches all-time in the city — fans know that isolated results won’t be enough when the World Cup begins. Tuesday night offered reassurance, but also a reminder that the work is far from done.
