USMNT Ends Seven-Game Winless Streak With 2-0 Win Over Japan

The United States men's national soccer team ended a seven-game winless streak against top 25 opponents with a 2-0 victory over Japan in a friendly match at Lower.com Field in Columbus. Alejandro Zendejas opened the scoring with a volley from a cross by Max Arfsten, while Folarin Balogun added a second goal after a pass from Christian Pulisic. The US team, ranked 15th, dominated the match with a 19-11 shot advantage and employed a 3-4-3 formation that improved both their attack and defense, featuring key performances from players like Cristian Roldan and Tyler Adams. Japan fielded an entirely rotated 'B' squad with many inexperienced players, resting their regular starters who had secured their eighth consecutive World Cup berth. The match attracted a sellout crowd of 20,192 and marked the US team's sixth 2-0 win at this venue. This win is part of the US preparations for the upcoming World Cup, with more friendlies scheduled in the coming weeks.