United States Falls to South Korea in Friendly Match
The United States men’s national soccer team suffered a 2-0 defeat to South Korea in a friendly match held at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.
The match began with a goal from the visitors in the 18th minute, courtesy of Son Heung-min, star of LAFC, who sent the ball into the back of the net. The American defense, with a poor performance, was overwhelmed and conceded the second goal in the 43rd minute, thanks to Lee Dong-gyeong.
Despite the substitutions made in the second half, which sought to intensify the attack, coach Mauricio Pochettino and his players failed to overcome Korean goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo. This defeat marks the first time the United States has lost to South Korea since 2001.
After this friendly, the United States will continue its preparation for the World Cup with a match against Japan on September 9 at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.
Match Analysis and Ratings
Coach’s rating (out of 10):Mauricio Pochettino, 3. Eight months before the World Cup, Pochettino presented his fourteenth different lineup in 17 matches, indicating that he is still in a testing phase. Against South Korea, he used his ninth different central defensive pairing. Time is running out and the American fans are showing frustration at the coach’s constant changes. While the attack improved in the second half, the goalless result does not generate celebration.Player Ratings (0-10; 10 = best, 5 = average):Goalkeeper:Matt Freese, 5. He could do little about the first goal, but Freese would have conceded a penalty to South Korea if Lee hadn’t scored after the goalkeeper’s foul. He made two saves.Defenses:Max Arfsten, 4. Although he cannot be directly blamed for any of the goals, he did not achieve the expected defensive and offensive impact.
Tim Ream, 3. Despite some crucial interventions, he left Son in a legal position for the first goal and failed to stop the play for the second. A lackluster partnership with Blackmon.
Tristan Blackmon, 2. A difficult and unconfident debut. Constantly a step behind Son, losing him on South Korea’s goal and watching the play on the second goal.
Sergiño Dest, 4. He returned to the starting eleven for the first time in 2025, with mixed performances. He showed well with the ball, but his defensive positioning left much to be desired.Midfielders:Tyler Adams, 5. A mixed performance for the midfielder, who sometimes lost the ball in dangerous areas, but also recovered balls. His decision-making was not the best when trying to stop the pressure.
Sebastian Berhalter, 6. Almost gets an assist with a dangerous set-piece cross in the second half. Gave too much space to South Korea’s midfield and attack, but also showed well with the ball.
Diego Luna, 6. The youngest player in the starting eleven, was a source of creativity thanks to his mobility and hunger for the ball. A vital distributor who couldn’t break the South Korean defense.Forwards:Christian Pulisic, 6. Back with the team, he once again stood out as an offensive leader. He made key passes and attempted shots, but failed to convert in the final third.Christian Pulisic was one of the few American attackers who made an impact, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the South Korean defense. Howard Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images
Josh Sargent, 4. The forward continues his goal drought with the US national team. Whether due to a lack of distribution or a lack of cohesion with the attack, Sargent had a discreet performance.
Tim Weah, 5. He had dangerous moments in attack, but more was expected of the Marseille player, who unfortunately suffered an injury in the second half that forced his substitution.Substitutes (players who entered after the 70th minute are not rated):Folarin Balogun, 6. Improved on Sargent, almost scored in added time. Deserves to be in the starting eleven in the next match.
Cristian Roldan, 6. Part of a revitalized midfield, performed well in duels and distribution in the few moments he had possession of the ball.
Chris Richards, 7. Almost scored from a free kick and added confidence to the defense.
Alexander Freeman, 6. He didn’t have as much defensive work as Dest, but he was also proactive in his runs down the right flank.
Alex Zendejas — N/A
Jack McGlynn — N/A
