In need of a big performance, the U.S. turned in the team's best shift of the Pochettino era, even against a rotated Japan side
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Mauricio Pochettino made it abundantly clear on Monday: he's sticking with the plan. Ahead of the U.S. men's national team's match against Japan – and in the wake of a 2-0 loss to South Korea – he would not deviate.
In fact, he would double down.
Well, if that was the plan, and this is the path forward for the USMNT, then Pochettino might actually be on the right track. Against Japan on Tuesday night, the USMNT turned into a hell of a lot better performance than last weekend against South Korea, offering everyone a glimpse at the step forward that Pochettino says he's seen in recent days.
Backed by goals from Alejandro Zendejas and Folarin Balogun in the first and second halves, respectively, the USMNT got a much-needed 2-0 win over Japan. It's a win that will quiet some doubters. The pessimists will point out that it did come against a heavily-rotated Japan team, and they'd be right to do so – Japan swapped out the entire starting XI from the squad that settled for a 0-0 draw with Mexico over the weekend.
“It is important to win, because we are going to host the World Cup, and the perception is always we’re not winning, we are not finding the way to play,” Pochettino told TNT. “But I think we need to be calm and relaxed. The critics I always appreciate, because it is always important. But the circumstances are the circumstances. We can’t change the circumstances. We are working with this. I think for sure in the future, the basics and our foundation are going to be there.”
The optimists, though, would point to everything that went into it as a sign of progress for a team that had shown few in recent months. Pochettino triggered that with a tactical switch, going with a three centerback system seemingly tailor-made for this group.
“The thing now is to see a different approach in the game from a tactical perspective,” Pochettino told TNT. “We don’t have many chances to put these things into practice. And that’s important.”
From the opening whistle, the USMNT played aesthetically pleasing soccer. They played winning soccer, too, putting 11 of 19 shots on goal. Making his eighth straight start, goalkeeper Matt Freese got the clean sheet.
"When we're courageous, when we're at our best, we're a difficult team to play against," Freese said after the game.
Christian Pulisic, it should be noted, was clearly the best player on the pitch as he, too, quieted some doubters. This was a big performance for both a number of players, such as Pulisic, and for this team as whole. It won't silence all the outside noise, but it might turn the volume down.
The plan continues on, then, with the September set now over. There are still rough edges to smooth over but, for the first time in what has been – in moments – a difficult year, it was clear to see what Pochettino is cooking up as the road to the World Cup continues.
GOAL rates the USMNT players from Lower.com Field.
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defense
Matt Freese (8/10):
Made some absolutely fantastic saves that might go under the radar, given everything else. A true No. 1 goalkeeper performance from a player specifically fighting for that role.
Max Arfsten (8/10):
So dynamic running down that left-hand side. The assist on the opening goal was picture-perfect to give him an obvious highlight to headline a standout night.
Chris Richards (6/10):
Actually, a little bit shakier than usual, but that's still better than most defenders. That can also happen, sometimes, when you're on the ball as much as Richards was.
Tim Ream (7/10):
Got to show off his ability to dribble a few times, which got the crowd off its feet. Defensively, so steady, allowing Arfsten the freedom to bomb forward.
Tristan Blackmon (6/10):
Had a nervy moment or two in the first half, but settled into the game. Credit to him for shaking off a rough debut on Saturday to put in a better shift here. That's harder than most will give him credit for.
Alex Freeman (6/10):
Could have been a little bit cleaner or a little bit more patient when he did break towards the final third, but you can see how his speed and attacking ability can cause teams headaches.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Tyler Adams (7/10):
What do you expect? Won the ball a bunch, halted a few Japan attacks and was generally calm with his passing. Very typical.
Cristian Roldan (6/10):
Nothing earth-shattering, but provided some stability to a midfield that was always going to need it. Steady and reliable which, given the circumstances, is what this team needed in that spot.
Getty ImagesAttack
Alejandro Zendejas (8/10):
Incredible finish, one that will be on his personal highlight reel going forward. Also drew multiple fouls from Japan, who really struggled to cope with him.
Christian Pulisic (9/10):
Didn't get a goal, but did get an assist on Balogun's goal in the end. Deserved much more, in truth, as he was far and away the best player on the field. Put Japan's defense in a blender all night.
Folarin Balogun (8/10):
So dangerous as he really made Japan's central defenders work from the opening whistle. Was rewarded with Pulisic's pass for the goal, which was about as well-taken as you'd expect from a striker of his caliber.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Sergino Dest (7/10):
Some good minutes for him, although it has to be noted that he didn't see much of the ball. Did get a good chance, though, and forced a good save.
Jack McGlynn (8/10):
So unlucky not to get a goal. Saw one saved away and then nearly broke the crossbar with a smashed shot. A good cameo, nonetheless.
Luca de la Torre (7/10):
An obvious substitution for Adams, one allowing the USMNT to maintain some semblance of control. Tidy on the ball, as always.
Diego Luna (7/10):
Lots of energy, which was good given where the game was when he arrived. Had a good one-two with Damion Downs to create a chance.
Damion Downs (8/10):
Had one pretty good sequence that nearly got away from him, but resulted in a good shot on goal that was saved.
Nathan Harriel (N/A):
Came on for a late cameo for his first appearance post-Gold Cup. Will feel like a good reward after patiently waiting for another appearance.
Mauricio Pochettino (8/10):
Spot on in a moment in which he had to be. Got the tactics right, got the subs right and, ultimately, got the result. A strong answer to the noise and criticism over the last week.
