The United States bounced back after a 2-0 loss to South Korea with a 2-0 win of its own against Japan.
Matt Freese started in net behind the center back trio of Chris Richards, Tim Ream, and Tristan Blackmon. Alex Freeman and Max Arfsten were out wide while Cristian Roldan and Tyler Adams were in the midfield.
Christian Pulisic and Alex Zendejas were advanced attackers, while Folarin Balogun was the lone striker. The striker had a poor start to the match with two golden chances in front of net in the 18th minute. Zendejas intercepted a pass and played the Monaco striker towards goal. A give-and-go with Pulisic saw Balogun get a point-blank chance, but he was denied twice by Japanese goalkeeper Keisuke Osako.
Freese was called into action in the 21st minute as a header from Henry Mochizuki forced the goalkeeper to make a sprawling save.
The United States would be the first team to strike with a beautiful goal from Zendejas in the 30th minute. Pulisic jumped on a poor touch by Japan in the midfield and jump-started the counterattack. While not able to take any imediate chances, Arfsten found the ball out wide and showd off some silky footwork and sent a cross into the top of the box that Zendejas volleyed with a clinical strike to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead.
Japan almost responed soon after with Junya Ito making a beautiful run but his shot was stopped by the goalkeeper. The United States then countered with Arfsten getting a chance to score of his own but his shot was sent curling directly into the goalkeeper in the 36th minute.
The first half finished with the United States largely on the front foot, which was great to see after the poor performance against South Korea. The formation switch appeared to work wonders as the USMNT looked like a completely different squad.
Pulisic nearly got on the scoresheet in the 54th minute thanks to a great run into the box. After being played in by Balogun, Pulisic burst forward and nutmegged his defender but wasn’t able to complete the play with a goal.
Balogun would soon be rewarded for what was largely a show of what the United States needs from whoever starts at striker. The Monaco striker was able to demonstrate some great hold-up play while eventually showing his finishing prowess to get on the score sheet. He made all the right runs and was one of the best players on the night.
In the 64th minute, Pulisic found a racing Balogun who neatly finished from a tight angle to give the United States a 2-0 lead. The Monaco man was given an opportunity, and he didn’t let it go to waste; exactly what you want from a potential World Cup starter.
Japan nearly found a goal in the 70th minute after forcing a turnover. Koki Ogawa launched a beautiful strike from distance but the striker’s shot rocketed off the frame of the crossbar.
Jack McGlynn has one of the best chances after subs were made in the 66th minute, with the MLS midfielder’s deflected shot forcing a sprawling save by Osako. The Houston Dynamo midfielder also launched a forceful strike off the crossbar in the 83rd minute. Osako was tested a lot towards the end of the match with Sergino Dest and Damion Downs forcing the goalkeeper to make some impressive saves.
The win ends the international window on a sweeter note than anticipated after a rough performance against South Korea. Japan is an extremely talented side, ranked 17th in the FIFA rankings (two places behind the USMNT).
But Pochettino still has work to do. More positive momentum will need to follow ahead of the most important World Cup in the history of the United States. Still, a win is always worth celebrating and is reason for USMNT fans to feel some slight relief.