Has the USMNT finally found its footing? Mauricio Pochettino’s boys just trounced Japan 2-0 at the Lower.com Field to end their shaky run and bag a much-awaited victory. The win was emphatic, and the fans should be feeling like they’re on cloud nine right now. What’s more, the victory seems to be making ex-veterans believe in the team once again after months of heartbreak!

After the US national men’s team was handed a thunderous 2-0 defeat by South Korea last Saturday, former USWNT superstar Carli Lloyd was livid. “They have lost the foundation that the #USMNT and #USWNT have been built on all these years,” she alleged, following the loss. However, after today’s big triumph over the Japanese, it looks like Lloyd has finally turned into a believer, as her X post from September 9 highlights.

“Letting the play do the talking. The best formula,” the former Manchester City star lauded the USMNT on her social media update. Pochettino made five changes to the roster that succumbed to Korea last weekend, and it couldn’t have paid off in better style. Alex Zendejas and Folarin Balogun were brought into the starting XI for today’s game, and both the stars scored in the first and second halves, respectively, to seal the USMNT’s victory. Jack McGlynn had his eyes on the goal during the dying moments of the match, but was denied by the woodwork.

Goes without saying that this victory was incredibly important to boost the morale of the team. The opening days of September’s international window have not been kind for the USMNT, and today’s triumph will definitely help the Argentine coach feel relieved. Ahead of today’s game, Pochettino was heard saying, “Of course I want to win,” and thankfully, the team made sure to carry out his vision with stellar success.

With the USMNT’s performance being dire in recent months, from upset defeats to Canada and Panama at the CONCACAF Nations League to heartbreak against Mexico at the CONCACAF gold Cup, fans have been calling for change to the administration for quite some time. Among the fiery critics of the team has been former national team member, Frankie Hejduk. Ahead of the match against Japan, the ex-line backer was heard saying how the current USMNT roster looks but a shadow of the team Hejduk used to play in. But it looks like Pochettino can now face the naysayers with something to show for himself.

“If people sometimes want to talk about bull***t, they can talk about bulls**t. To be critical is one thing, because I like the critics when you say things that are right. But when it’s criticism for criticism? You are damaging your country and damaging your players. We need to be positive,” the ex-Tottenham coach recently vented his frustration over the flak the USMNT’s been catching. In his statement was also an underlying tone of desperation to prove that his method would yield results. But as today saw, it was much more than generating results.

The USMNT’s victory could help to finally bury the past

Among the major highlights from today’s match would definitely be Christian Pulisic’s involvement and control of the game. The former Chelsea star skipped the Gold Cup, citing physical inability following a poor club season with AC Milan, but later acknowledged that he was willing to play for the USMNT in June. However, Pochettino didn’t entertain the idea, saying, “I am the head coach, I am not a mannequin.” But, despite some pundits’ dissatisfaction over Pochettino’s handling of the situation, things looked better between the coach and the Pennsylvania native, who got his name announced for the starting XI against Japan.

Pulisic proved his worth by supplying Balogun with a crucial pass in the second half, which the latter made use of to put the USMNT ahead. Tonight’s victory marks a shift from the slump. The American lads have been on a five-match losing streak and have been outscored 11-1 against top 25 FIFA-ranked teams. Today’s starting XI also drew significant ire from the fans, who posited that Pochettino was making yet another mistake. But, as fate would have it, the seasoned coach had the last laugh.

We’re in the endgame for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Next year’s tournament, slated to be co-hosted by the USA, will naturally be a big test for the team, which hasn’t found much success at the competition in recent years. Could the win against Japan be the moment that helps to turn the tide in the USMNT’s favor? What do you think?