"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."
"In 64th minute, the Americans doubled their lead after a pacey run from Christian Pulisic led to an assist for Balogun's goal. Despite Japan shaking things up with second half subs that wrestled back some of the momentum, the 2-0 result was cemented by the final whistle for the home team that had a late second wind in the dying minutes of the match."
"Mauricio Pochettino, 8 -- Credit where credit is due. Pochettino took a tactical gamble after not only ringing in five different changes from his previous XI, but also testing out a 3-4-3 formation. Sure, it wasn't perfect, there were some questionable defensive moments in the new setup and goalkeeper Matt Freese was kept fairly busy by Japan's opportunities. Nonetheless, the overall performance is a step forward after the loss to South Korea."
United States beat Japan 2-0 at Lower.com Field in Columbus with goals by Alejandro Zendejas and Folarin Balogun. The USMNT used an experimental 3-4-3 formation and controlled 63% possession in the first half. High-pressing full-backs Max Arfsten and Alex Freeman created danger, and Arfsten's 30th-minute dribble and cross set up Zendejas's volley. Christian Pulisic's pace in the 64th minute created Balogun's second goal. Japan's second-half substitutions regained some momentum but could not score. Mauricio Pochettino received an 8/10 manager rating for tactical risk and overall improvement. Upcoming friendlies are vs Ecuador (Oct. 10) and Australia (Oct. 14).
Read at ESPN.com
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