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Japan Coach Makes Unpopular USMNT Claim After Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Sep 9, 2025 11:23 PM ET

The USMNT's 2-0 win over Japan not only impressed US soccer fans but the Japanese head coach as well. The USA's win was praised by Japan's head coach, Hajime Moriyasu.

Japan's team was heavily rotated by Moriyasu as some of the best stars in the sqaud remained on the bench. Players like Daichi Kamada, Kaoru Mitoma, and Takumi Minamino came on the pitch in the second half.

After the match, Moriyasu was asked about the quality of the USMNT players. When asked about which players impressed him the most, Moriyasu mentioned players who play in Europe, but made a comment on the MLS players as well.

Moriyasu mentioned Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun as the top players for Team USA, but says that MLS players have the same quality as players who play in Europe.

"Pulisic and Balogun…players from the big five leagues…I think the players in MLS played on the same standard," Moriyasu told reporters after the match.

Folarin Balogun Praises Mauricio Pochettino After Win Over Japan

One of the players the Japan head coach praised, Folarin Balogun, was supportive of Mauricio Pochettino after the 2-0 win.

The USMNT head coach was under pressure to get a result against Japan after the loss against South Korea last Saturday.

Balogun stated that the win over Japan is key for confidence ahead of the World Cup and that there is belief within the squad.

"We’re building something big here with a top coach, and it takes time," Balogun said. "He tried to emphasize that to us, to be patient. But at the end of the day, the results are the most important thing so I’m glad we were able to win today.

"What does this win give us? Confidence. We are in a results-based industry, so when we can, we want to get a good win."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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