The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) suffered a defeat on the road on Friday. Playing in Germany but facing Japan, the Americans lost 2-0 thanks to goals from Daichi Kamada and Kaoru Mitoma. The end result is obviously not good, but in reality it could have been much worse for the USMNT. Japan controlled the midfield throughout the game and easily broke through the USMNT defense.
Although only in a friendly, the rather extensive loss comes at a bad time for the team. The World Cup is less than two months away. Gregg Berhalter’s side now only have one game left on the schedule before the next tournament.
America’s poor away record comes to light
During Friday’s game, ESPN2 commentators Jon Champion and Taylor Twellman referenced a worrying trend for the USMNT. Commentator Jon Champion explained:
“They have won 23 of their last 25 at home. Only one of his last nine outside the United States.
“This year…they played four times outside the US, they didn’t win and they only scored one goal, which was the equalizer in the 91st minute in El Salvador.”
The duo also compared these grim numbers to their opponents that day. “How does that compare to Japan down the road?” Twellman asked.
“It’s strange that you ask,” replied Champion. “Because we’ve also taken a look at that. That’s two losses in 17 outside of Japan. And six wins in his last eight [games].”
Great gap between the United States and Japan
The Americans are currently ranked 14th in FIFA, while Japan is ten spots lower at 24th.
Fighting along the way, however, is not just a recent problem for the USMNT. Under Berhalter, they have only managed five away wins from 16 matches in total. Compare this to the team’s home record of 31 wins from 39 games during Berhalter’s reign. The technician was hired for his current position in December 2018.
Japan secure a 2-0 win over USMNT to kick off the international break ???? pic.twitter.com/shduF3c28J
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 23, 2022
Unfortunately for the Americans, the 2022 World Cup will not be played at home. Their first match of the Qatar 2022 tournament will be against Wales on November 21.
