The USMNT faced South Korea in their September friendly on Saturday, but the match quickly went off course. The United States fell 2-0 after a first-half performance dominated by South Korea’s star forward Son Heung-min. Despite several second-half substitutions, the U.S. could not turn the game around in front of a pro-Korean crowd in Harrison, New Jersey.
Son opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a precise strike that left the U.S. defense scrambling. South Korea’s attack looked sharp and coordinated, giving the home side few opportunities to respond.
In the 43rd minute, Son was involved in another goal. After USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese tripped Son, the forward passed to Lee Dong-gyeong, who executed a back-heel finish to double Korea’s lead. The first half ended with South Korea comfortably in control.
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino kept the starting lineup the same after halftime. Later, he made multiple substitutions to boost the attack. The new players showed flashes of energy, but the team could not overcome the two-goal deficit. This loss marked the U.S. team’s fifth consecutive defeat against a FIFA top 25-ranked team.
These friendlies carry added importance as the USMNT prepares for the 2026 World Cup, just 10 months away. The matches are meant to sharpen team chemistry, test strategies, and build confidence. A strong performance would have given fans hope, but the U.S. team struggled to match South Korea’s organization and pace.
South Korea entered the game already qualified for the tournament, making the friendly unusually competitive. The Korean squad demonstrated strong teamwork and tactical discipline, contrasting with a U.S. team still searching for cohesion.
Pochettino will now turn his focus to the second September friendly against Japan on Tuesday. Questions remain about whether he will start the second-half substitutes who made a notable impact or experiment with a different lineup entirely. Each game is becoming increasingly significant as the team works to meet expectations.
The USMNT’s attack showed some promise after the substitutions, with improved movement and sharper passing. However, defensive lapses in the first half proved too costly. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the team can find a balance between offense and defense in the upcoming match.
Looking ahead, the September friendlies offer a chance to test tactics and give younger players experience at the international level. The U.S. team must focus on improving chemistry and consistency if they want to compete against top-ranked nations in 2026.
South Korea’s performance underscored the challenges facing the USMNT. The Korean squad controlled possession, created clear chances, and capitalized on U.S. mistakes. The result serves as a reminder that top-level international soccer requires both organization and mental toughness.
With only two friendlies remaining before World Cup preparations intensify, every game matters. Pochettino’s decisions in the Japan match could reveal the team’s approach moving forward and provide insight into how the USMNT plans to close gaps in attack and defense.
Fans remain hopeful that lessons learned from the loss to South Korea will strengthen the team. Continued adjustments and tactical experiments could pave the way for improved performances in the coming months.
