The US Men's National Team (USMNT) concluded its September training camp with a resounding 2-0 victory over Japan, a stark contrast to the previous weekend's disappointing loss to South Korea. This win, however, represents more than just a positive result; it signals a potential turning point under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who appears to have finally found the right tactical formula.
The camp began with experimentation, most notably the utilization of a 4-3-2-1 formation against South Korea. This proved disastrous, exposing defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of attacking cohesion. The team's performance was characterized by confusion and passivity, culminating in a concerning display leading to South Korea's first goal. The 4-3-2-1 was quickly abandoned, replaced with a 3-4-2-1 formation that yielded significantly improved results.
The shift to the 3-4-2-1 was pivotal. Following the formation change against South Korea, the USMNT dominated possession and generated numerous scoring opportunities. This tactical adjustment was carried over to the Japan match, resulting in a convincing victory. The team’s attacking threat markedly increased, and the improved defensive stability was evident.
Several players saw their stock rise significantly during the camp. Folarin Balogun's performance, despite missed chances, solidified his claim to the starting striker position, showcasing a blend of determination and potential. Another standout performer was Aaron Arfsten, who excelled as a wingback in the 3-4-2-1 system, earning praise from Pochettino himself.
Conversely, other players' prospects appear less certain. Josh Sargent's goal drought continued, raising questions about his future with the team. Other players, such as Giovanni Reyna, remain absent from the squad, generating further speculation regarding their roles within the team. While players like Aaron Roldan and Djordje Mihailovic demonstrated consistent contributions, their roles are still developing.
The September camp demonstrated that experimentation, while inherently risky, can lead to breakthroughs. Pochettino's willingness to adapt and adjust his tactics proved crucial in securing the victory against Japan and finding a system that seems better suited to the team's strengths. While there is still work to be done, the camp concluded with a renewed sense of optimism heading into the crucial World Cup qualifying matches. The focus now shifts from experimentation to fine-tuning and solidifying the team's strategy, with the 3-4-2-1 formation potentially forming the cornerstone of Pochettino's approach for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
---
Originally published at: https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/usmnt-whose-stock-rose-or-dropped-after-september-window
