Player Ratings and Match Highlights

Alejandro Zendejas and Folarin Balogun‘s goals were the difference in the United States Soccer‘ 2-0 victory over Japan Football in Columbus, Ohio. The Asian and Concacaf powerhouses were both coming off disappointing results in their first games of the international window.

The Americans had a very discouraging 2-0 home loss to South Korea, while Japan tied Mexico Football. Mauricio Pochettino made four lineup changes to the starting unit while tweaking the lineup to a 3-4-3 formation.

The Japanese came in with an entirely different squad from Saturday’s affair, and it essentially showed throughout the night. But head coach Hajime Moriyasu’s team still had opportunities to score throughout the night.

Regardless of the lesser Japanese squad they faced, this result was precisely what the doctor ordered for the United States as the 2026 World Cup inches closer. And several key players had very encouraging performances.

Match Statistics

Match Highlights

United States Player Ratings

GK – Matt Freese – 7.5/10

It was a fantastic game for what looks like the locked-in starter for the Americans. Freese made several critical saves throughout the contest to maintain an impressive clean sheet. The 27-year-old continues to grow in confidence.

RB – Tristan Blackmon – 5/10

It was a poor start to the game, but Tristan Blackmon eventually settled into his right back role and was a largely solid presence. Much better than his first performance.

CB – Chris Richards – 6/10

Chris Richards had some of the highest highs of the game as well as the lowest lows. He is still by far the best center back the United States has and should be a locked-in starter. That being said, there was some shakiness in possession, and one of his giveaways should’ve resulted in a goal.

LB – Tim Ream – 4.5/10

Tim Ream did his best, but he was beaten a few times on the right side. Very solid in possession per usual, but the 37-year-old doesn’t have the speed to play this position against better wingers.

RM – Alex Freeman – 6/10

Freeman set the tone on Tuesday night, constantly sprinting down the right side and putting Japan’s defense on its back foot. Disappeared at times throughout the game, but still an encouraging performance for the 21-year-old.

CM – Tyler Adams – 5.5/10

Tyler Adams had a better performance than Saturday’s, but the midfield still felt a bit disconnected at times on defense. Nevertheless, the Bournemouth star was an active participant in the win.

CM – Cristian Roldan – 5/10

Had some good passes that started breaks and a good cross. Roldan was slow with his touches and decision-making for this position, but he improved as the game progressed.

LM – Max Arfsten – 7/10

Max Arfsten wasn’t great on defense, but he was terrific on offense. This was the Columbus Crew stars’ best performance in a USMNT shirt, and it’s not a coincidence that he was a left midfielder instead of left back for this game.

RW – Alejandro Zendejas – 8/10

Alejandro Zendejas built on his Saturday’s encouraging performance with a goal against Japan. It was a beautiful volley finish for the right winger, which was technically all the Americans needed Tuesday night.

LW – Christian Pulisic – 8/10

Christian Pulisic gradually worked his way into this game, and once he gained his rhythm, he started looking like the player he is at AC Milan. He should’ve had an assist in the first half and got a much-deserved one in the second half to Folarin Balogun.

ST – Folarin Balogun – 8.5/10 (Man of the Match)

Even though he should’ve scored in the first half, Folarin Balogun is the United States’ best striker. The only player that can potentially catch him is Ricardo Pepi, who is still recovering from an injury. It’s been night and day for the Americans with the AC Monaco striker on the pitch, and he fittingly scored in the second half and is our Man of the Match.

SUB – Jack McGlynn – 7/10

Very dangerous when he came on and could’ve scored twice if not for bad luck. Jack McGlynn put in a great shift.

SUB – Sergino Dest – 6/10

Remains a locked-in starter for this team and made an impact on offense when he came in. Should’ve had an assist.

SUB – Diego Luna – N/A

Didn’t do much after coming on.

SUB – Luca de la Torre – N/A

Didn’t do much after coming on.

SUB – Damion Downs – N/A

Didn’t do much after coming on.

SUB – Nathan Harriel – N/A

Didn’t do much after coming on.

Japan Player Ratings

GK – Keisuke Osako – 6/10

Not at fault for the goal and had some very good saves in the second half. A good performance overall.

RB – Hiroki Sekine – 4/10

The right side was under attack for most of the game, especially in the second half. Hiroki Sekine was beaten several times by American attackers, particularly in the second half. Was also at fault for the second goal.

CB – Hayato Araki – 4.5/10

The best out of Japan’s back line, but still shaky and could’ve given up more goals than he did.

LB – Yuto Nagatomo – 3.5/10

Yuto Nagatomo had a shaky game overall on defense and in possession. The 38-year-old was liable for the first goal as he was covering Zendejas.

RM – Henry Heroki Mochizuki – 5/10

Similar to Max Arfsten, Henry Heroki Mochizuki was strong on offense but weak on defense. The Machida Zelvia star was beaten by the American left midfielder on the first goal.

CM – Kaishu Sano 5.5/10

Was decent at first, but gradually lost the midfield battle, especially in the second half. The Mainz 05 star was the better of the two center midfielders, but he’s had much better performances for his national team.

CM – Joel Chima Fujita – 5/10

Struggled at times to keep up with the Americans’ pace and tenacity. Fujita was at times dangerous going forward.

LM – Daizen Maeda – 4.5/10

Should’ve scored in the first half. The Celtic man wasn’t a huge factor in a game that needed him to put in an elite shift.

RW – Junya Ito – 5/10

Junya Ito had an opportunity to score off of a Chris Richards’ turnover and should’ve done better on that finish. Aside from that, he was threatening at certain times, but largely faded as the game went on.

LW – Yuito Suzuki – 7/10

Japan’s best attacker challenged the opposing goalkeeper more than a few times. Suzuki should definitely be in the regular rotation for the A squad.

ST – Koki Ogawa – 4.5/10

Wasn’t given much service, but also wasn’t much of a factor with his runs or in hold-up play. Had a great shot in the second half that hit the post.

SUB – Ayumu Seko – 5/10

Struggled a little less than Nagatomo on the left side. Still not great.

SUB – Takumi Minamino – N/A

Didn’t do much after coming on.

SUB – Daichi Kamada – N/A

Didn’t do much after coming on.

SUB – Kaoru Mitoma – N/A

Didn’t do much after coming on.

SUB – Yukinari Sugawara – N/A

Didn’t do much after coming on.

SUB – Shuto Machino – N/A

Didn’t do much after coming on.