U.S. Men’s National Team Stumbles in 2–0 Defeat to South Korea in Friendly

The U.S. men’s national team fell 2–0 to South Korea in an international friendly on Saturday at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 18th minute through a composed finish from Son Heung-min. The U.S. defense struggled throughout the first half, and Lee Dong-gyeong doubled South Korea’s lead shortly before halftime with a clever backheel from close range.

Despite making several substitutions in the second half to boost the attack, the U.S. was unable to beat goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo. The loss marks the Americans' first defeat to South Korea since 2001.

The USMNT will continue its World Cup preparations with a match against Japan on September 9 at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.

Manager Rating (out of 10)

Mauricio Pochettino, 3 — Still experimenting eight months from the World Cup, Pochettino fielded his 14th different starting lineup in 17 matches — including his ninth different center-back pairing. While the attack showed more life after the break, ongoing lineup changes and a lack of cohesion remain concerning so close to the tournament.

Player Ratings (0–10; 10 = best, 5 = average)

• GK Matt Freese, 5 — Could do little on either goal and was fortunate not to concede a penalty after a first-half foul.

• DF Max Arfsten, 4 — Not directly at fault for the goals, but failed to make an impact defensively or in attack.

• DF Tim Ream, 3 — Made a few key interventions but was caught playing Son onside for the opener and was slow to react on the second goal.

• DF Tristan Blackmon, 2 — A shaky debut. Struggled to track Son and was caught ball-watching on both goals.

• DF Sergiño Dest, 4 — Showed flashes of quality on the ball but was often caught out of position defensively.

• MF Tyler Adams, 5 — Inconsistent in possession but active in recovery. Decision-making under pressure was uncharacteristically poor.

• MF Sebastian Berhalter, 6 — Delivered dangerous set pieces and worked hard going forward, but gave too much space in midfield.

• MF Diego Luna, 6 — One of the brighter creative sparks. Showed ambition and movement but lacked end product.

• FW Christian Pulisic, 6 — Active and involved as the attacking leader, but final passes and shots didn’t connect.

• FW Josh Sargent, 4 — Isolated up top and rarely involved. Continued his goalless run with the national team.

• FW Tim Weah, 5 — Showed flashes of danger before being substituted due to injury.

Substitutes

• FW Folarin Balogun, 6 — Livened up the attack and went close to scoring late. Pushed for a starting role.

• MF Cristian Roldan, 6 — Brought energy and crisp distribution in his limited minutes.

• DF Chris Richards, 7 — Solid at the back and nearly scored from a set piece. Added stability.

• DF Alexander Freeman, 6 — Provided width and positive runs after coming on.

Key Storylines:

• Pochettino, Pulisic must reconcile for USMNT to be at its best going into World Cup

• USMNT transfer grades: Analyzing every American move in the summer window