United States Falls to South Korea in Friendly Match
The United States men’s national soccer team suffered a 2-0 defeat against South Korea in a friendly match held at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.
The match opened with a goal from the visitors in the 18th minute, scored by Son Heung-min, star of LAFC, who sent the ball into the back of the net. The American defense, showing a low performance, was overwhelmed and received the second goal in the 43rd minute, thanks to a shot by Lee Dong-gyeong.
Despite the substitutions made in the second half, which generated greater offensive pressure, coach Mauricio Pochettino and his players failed to overcome the Korean goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo. This defeat marked 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 14th different lineup in 17 matches, indicating that he is still testing. Against South Korea, he used his ninth different central defensive pairing. Time is running out and it’s frustrating for USMNT fans to see the coach still experimenting at this point. While the attack improved in the second half, there will be few celebrations for the goalless result.Player Ratings (0-10; 10 = best, 5 = average):Goalkeeper:Matt Freese, 5 – He could do little about the first goal, but Freese would certainly have conceded a penalty to South Korea if Lee hadn’t scored after the goalkeeper’s foul. He also made two saves.Defenses:Max Arfsten, 4 – Difficult to blame him for the goals, but he also didn’t achieve the expected defensive and offensive impact.
Tim Ream, 3 – He is recognized for some crucial interventions, but he left Son in a legal position for the first goal and couldn’t stop the play for the second. A rather weak partnership with Blackmon.
Tristan Blackmon, 2 – A difficult and unconfident debut. Constantly outmatched by Son, losing him on the initial goal and watching the play on the second goal.
Sergiño Dest, 4 – Back in the starting eleven for the first time in 2025, with ups and downs. He showed well with the ball, but his defensive positioning left much to be desired.Midfielders:Tyler Adams, 5 – An irregular match for the midfielder, who sometimes lost the ball in dangerous areas, but also recovered it well. His decision-making was not the best when trying to stop the pressure.
Sebastian Berhalter, 6 – Almost got an assist after launching a dangerous set-piece cross in the second half. Gave too much space to South Korea’s midfield and attack, but also showed himself decent at advancing with the ball.
Diego Luna, 6 – Merit for the youngest player in the starting eleven, who was a source of creativity thanks to his roaming play and his hunger for the ball. A vital distributor who simply couldn’t find a way to overcome South Korea’s defense.Forwards:Christian Pulisic, 6 – Back with the team, he once again emerged as the leader and offensive presence up front. He made a couple of key passes and attempted some shots, but things didn’t work out 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.
Josh Sargent, 4 – Little to say about the forward, who has continued his goal drought with the USMNT. Whether due to a lack of distribution towards him or the need to work on finding better cohesion with his attack, Sargent had a performance that was too discreet.
Tim Weah, 5 – A couple of dangerous moments in attack, but more was expected of the Marseille player, who unfortunately suffered an injury in the second half that forced a substitution.Substitutes (players who entered after the 70th minute do not receive a rating):Folarin Balogun, 6 – An improvement over Sargent, almost scored in added time. Deserves to be in the starting eleven in the next match.
Cristian Roldan, 6 – Part of a renewed midfield, he did well in his duels and distribution in the limited moments he had possession of the ball.
Chris Richards, 7 – Almost scored from a direct free kick and added the confidence that the defense needed so much.
Alexander Freeman, 6 – He didn’t have as much defensive work as Dest, but he was also proactive with his runs down the right wing.
Alex Zendejas – N/A
Jack McGlynn – N/A
