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NEW YORK, Sept.7, 2025 – The United States men’s national soccer team faced another top-25 opponent, and once again, they came up short.On Saturday, the USMNT fell 2-0 to South Korea at home, marking their fifth consecutive loss against a team ranked in the top 25 worldwide. Their last victory in such a scenario was in 2022 against Iran during the world Cup group stage.
USMNT suffers another defeat to a top-ranked team.
- The USMNT lost 2-0 to South Korea at home on Saturday.
- This is the fifth straight loss against a top-25 ranked team.
- Manager Mauricio pochettino faces scrutiny over results despite tough training sessions.
- Alex Freeman and matt Freese showed promising performances.
The struggle to compete against elite opposition continues to persist.
What is the current form of the USMNT against top-tier teams? The United States men’s national team has now lost five consecutive matches against teams ranked in the top 25 of the world.
The defensive lapses against South Korea were especially concerning. It wasn’t just a matter of a new backline gelling; it appeared disjointed, with players seemingly unaware of their teammates’ positioning. these basic issues on simple defensive plays are a worrying sign, especially this far into Pochettino’s tenure.
Emerging Talents Offer Glimmers of Hope
Amidst the struggles,a couple of players managed to elevate their standing. Alex Freeman, son of former Green Bay packers receiver Antonio freeman, made a critically important impact in his 28 minutes on the field. He injected energy,created chances,and effectively broke up play. As his July debut,freeman is steadily climbing the depth chart and making a strong case for a World Cup squad spot,possibly even challenging for a starting right-back role.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese also delivered a standout performance. His anticipation was sharp, and he made crucial saves, even in chaotic situations. facing four shots on target, Freese stopped two, with one goal conceded being particularly unlucky due to the disarray in front of him. With Matt Turner now playing regularly in New England, Freese is positioning himself strongly for the No. 1 jersey.
Defensive Concerns Remain a Sticking Point
The rise of Freeman in the right-back competition casts a shadow over Sergiño Dest, a starter at the 2022 World Cup. Dest’s defensive vulnerabilities were starkly evident against South Korea, with Heung-min Son exploiting the USMNT’s entire backline. While Dest offers offensive impetus, it’s negated if the team is conceding goals. The lack of defensive cohesion around him hasn’t helped, and his strengths might be better utilized in a back three formation, as seen at his club PSV where possession control lessens his defensive burden.
Pochettino’s system demands synchronized play. when one player is out of sync, goals are likely to follow. While this was Dest’s first outing under Pochettino, improvement must come swiftly to alleviate growing concerns.
Did you know? Heung-min Son, who troubled the USMNT defense, now plays for Los Angeles FC.
“We need to start to win when the World Cup starts,” Pochettino stated,emphasizing the urgency for his team to peak at the right moment. “You need to arrive in the best condition.”
The absence of key players like Antonee Robinson and Malik Tillman, usually first-choice options, presented an opportunity to assess other squad members. However, the performance against South Korea left many questions unanswered about the team’s readiness.
The USMNT will need to find answers quickly. Their next tests, including matches against Japan and during the October international window, will be crucial in determining if they can turn their form around before the World Cup.
