HARRISON, N.J. — The United States Men’s National Team suffered a sobering 2-0 defeat to South Korea at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday, as Son Heung-Min and Lee Dong-Gyeong delivered first-half strikes that exposed defensive vulnerabilities ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The pro-South Korea crowd was loud and rocking all night, reminding everyone that Harrison, NJ, is their home. A huge miss by the front office of the New York Red Bulls, not trying to get the legendary striker while wasting time on Timo Werner, who felt insulted by their offer and walked away well before the transfer window ended. The lack of pivot by the front office is proving costly.
Son Shines in Familiar Territory
The match marked a homecoming of sorts for Son, who recently completed an MLS-record transfer from Tottenham to LAFC. Playing against his former coach Mauricio Pochettino, the South Korean captain demonstrated why he remains one of Asia’s most feared attackers.
Son opened the scoring in the 18th minute, capitalizing on a perfectly weighted through ball from Lee Jae-Sung. Running unchecked through the American defense, he calmly slotted past goalkeeper Matt Freese for his 52nd international goal, moving within six of South Korea’s all-time scoring record.
Tactical Flexibility and Player Insight
Head coach Hong Myung-bo provided insight into Son’s versatility: “Son can play as a forward or on the left. In this tactic right now, we like to make Sonny have less pressure in defense and use his strengths as much as possible. The first goal was a really good example of this.”
Tyler Adams, who has played alongside Son, praised his intelligent movement: “Son is an intelligent player. He’s sharp, he knows how to make runs. He doesn’t stop, he knows how to find the right spaces, that’s what makes him a world-class player.”
Defensive Breakdowns Prove Costly
The USMNT’s defensive frailties were on full display as South Korea doubled its advantage just before halftime. Son again proved instrumental, working a clever one-two before being brought down by the rushing Freese. Lee Dong-Gyeong was perfectly positioned to back-heel the loose ball into an unguarded net.
Key Tactical Issues
- Formation: USA’s 4-2-3-1 struggled against South Korea’s compact 5-4-1
- Possession: Despite controlling 53.6% of possession, the US failed to create clear chances
- Defensive Structure: Multiple breakdowns allowed South Korea easy access to dangerous areas
Pochettino’s Substitutions Spark Late Push
The Argentine coach made wholesale changes in the second half, introducing Folarin Balogun for his first USMNT appearance in a year. The striker nearly pulled one back in stoppage time, sending one over the crossbar and forcing two consecutive saves from South Korean goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-Woo.
Key Second-Half Changes:
- Balogun replaced ineffective Josh Sargent (whose goalless streak extended to 17 games)
- Chris Richards entered for injured Timothy Weah
- Álex Zendejas and Cristian Roldan provided fresh attacking impetus
Concerning Trends Continue
This defeat extends troubling patterns for the USMNT:
- Winless streak: Seven games without victory against top-25 opponents
- First-half struggles: Outscored 11-2 in opening periods during this stretch
- Home disadvantage: The 26,500-strong crowd largely supported South Korea
Post-Match Reactions
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo highlighted his team’s tactical success: “We utilized our speed… the opponent wasn’t prepared for this, maybe. It was like a home match, I appreciate the fans.”
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino remained defiant despite the loss: “I think we were better than South Korea, but if you’re not clinical… it’s difficult. Please come more [to the games] fans.”
While no one will agree with the U.S. coach and rightfully so, you must wonder what match the man watched. The U.S. only started to become a minor itch to the Korea side after Son and Lee left the match, even then they never truly worried the Koreans who dismissed the U.S. attack with easy.
Looking Ahead
The defeat raises fresh questions about America’s readiness for the 2026 World Cup, now just nine months away. With the tournament set to begin in Los Angeles, Saturday’s performance highlighted the work still needed.
Next Up: The USMNT faces Japan in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday for another crucial test against Asian opposition.
Match Statistics
- Shots: USA 17, South Korea 5
- Shots on Target: USA 5, South Korea 4
- Corners: USA 6, South Korea 3
- Saves: Jo Hyeon-Woo 5, Matt Freese 2
The path to World Cup readiness remains steep for Pochettino’s side, with defensive solidity and clinical finishing emerging as primary concerns.
USMNT News:
- MATCH PREVIEW: USMNT Faces Stern Test Against World-Class South Korea at Sports Illustrated Stadium
- U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team Makes Television History in October Doubleheader Against Germany
- U.S. Soccer Partners with Purina in Groundbreaking Pet Care Alliance Through 2030
- 2026 U.S. Open Cup: Record 146 Clubs Set to Battle in Historic Qualifying Campaign
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