Overview

• Alejandro Zendejas scored in the 30th minute and Folarin Balogun added a 64th-minute finish for his sixth international goal.
• Mauricio Pochettino used a back five with Tim Ream, Chris Richards and Tristan Blackmon at center back and Max Arfsten and Alex Freeman at wingback, with Tyler Adams and Cristian Roldan paired in midfield.
• Columbus Crew defender Max Arfsten started and supplied the cross for Zendejas, becoming the first Crew player since 2009 to start for the U.S. in Columbus.
• Japan changed all 11 starters from its previous match and opened with eight players on 10 or fewer caps before introducing regulars in the 62nd minute.
• A sellout crowd of 20,192 filled Lower.com Field as the U.S. outshot Japan 19–11 with 11 on target and Keisuke Osako making nine saves, with friendlies next on Oct. 10 vs. Ecuador in Austin and Oct. 14 vs. Australia near Denver.