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USMNT shuts out Japan at Lower.com Field, Columbus Crew's Max Arfsten records assist
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- USMNT shuts out Japan at Lower.com Field, Columbus Crew's Max Arfsten records assist
The United States men's national team won its friendly at Lower.com Field 2-0 over Japan on Sept. 9, improving its record when competing in Columbus to 11-1-3.
Prior to facing Japan, which is 17th in the FIFA world rankings, the USMNT had lost its last five games against opponents in the top 25.
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The victory also split the USMNT's results of the September international window following its 2-0 loss to South Korea on Sept. 6.
Crew midfielder and USMNT defender Max Arfsten set up the first goal with a cross from out wide to forward Alex Zendejas at the 30-minute mark.
"I just really wanted to play in this game," Arfsten said. "And once I knew I was, wanted to do everything I could to make it a memorable night."
Arfsten was the Crew's only representative on the roster, with teammate Sean Zawadzki having to pull out of the USMNT camp early due to a right-knee injury.
United States forward Alejandro Zendejas and midfielder Cristian Roldan celebrate with defender Max Arfsten (18) after Arfsten assisted on Zendejas' goal against Japan.
In the 64th minute, forward Folarin Balogun expanded the USMNT's advantage with a goal near the left goalpost.
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"All the guys who were involved today, I'm so happy (with)," USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino said. "Because they understood that they needed to perform in a way we expect. It's not about to win or losing the games, but to perform in the way that we expect."
New York City goalkeeper Matt Freese recorded six saves for the United States to finish with a clean sheet.
This game was the USMNT's first in Columbus since January 2022, when the United States beat El Salvador 1-0 in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
This story was updated to add new information.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: USMNT records victory over Japan during friendly at Lower.com Field
