USMNT undone by Son as South Korea wins friendly 2–0

Sep 07, 2025 183 Views US SOCCER

USMNT undone by Son as South Korea wins friendly 2–0

HARRISON, N.J. (Sept. 6, 2025) — Son Heung-min scored one and assisted another as South Korea beat the United States 2–0 in an international friendly at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday. Lee Dong-gyeong doubled the lead just before halftime, punishing a U.S. side that controlled stretches of possession but failed to turn pressure into chances. ESPN.com

Son opened the scoring in the 18th minute, and then set up Lee’s goal in the 43rd, leaving the U.S. with a two-goal halftime deficit they could not overcome. The Americans finished with a 53–47 edge in possession and a 12–4 advantage in total shots, but put only two efforts on target to Korea’s three. Referee Reon Radix officiated the match. ESPN.com

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino handed a debut to defender Tristan Blackmon and made Tim Ream captain, with Christian Pulisic and Josh Sargent leading the attack in a 4-2-3-1. Sergiño Dest made his first U.S. appearance since a knee injury in 2024. U.S. Soccer

Son, now an LAFC star, was the game’s standout, repeatedly stretching the U.S. back line and delivering the decisive first-half moments. mlssoccer

The U.S. turns quickly to its second match of the window against Japan on Tuesday in Columbus (7:30 p.m. ET). US Soccer Players

Scoring Summary:KOR — Son Heung-min, 18’KOR — Lee Dong-gyeong (Son Heung-min), 43’ ESPN.com

By the numbers: USA 53% possession; shots 12–4 (SOG 2–3); corners 4–2. ESPN.com

Notes: Match played at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, N.J. Kickoff 5:00 p.m. ET; U.S. broadcast on TNT/Telemundo/Universo/HBO Max/Peacock.