USMNT drop friendly to Son Heung-Min's South Korea

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Major League Soccer

·6. September 2025

USMNT drop friendly to Son Heung-Min's South Korea

By MLSsoccer staff

The US men's national team fell 2-0 to South Korea Saturday at Sports Illustrated Stadium in the first of two September international friendlies.

OneFootball Videos

LAFC summer marquee signing Son Heung-Min led the Taegeuk Warriors to victory, opening the scoring and providing an assist in a standout performance at the home of the New York Red Bulls.

Son slipped through the USMNT defense and beat New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese at the near post in the 18th minute before setting up Lee Dong-Gyeong's backheel finish at the stroke of halftime.

Chris Richards almost pulled one back for the hosts, forcing a close-range save from Jo Hyeon-Woo in the 73rd minute. However, South Korea held firm defensively to close out the win.

Goals

18' - KOR - Son Heung-Min | WATCH
43' - KOR Lee Dong-Gyeong | WATCH

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: Nine months – and nine more friendlies – before co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup along with Canada and Mexico, the United States still have plenty of questions ahead of next summer's tournament. Not even the return of Europe-based stars like Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams appeared to provide much clarity for head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who'll look to see an improved performance on Tuesday when the USMNT close out the September window against Japan at the Columbus Crew's Lower.com Field.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Son's opening goal set the tone and sent South Korea on their way to victory.

Heung-min Son strikes to give Korea Republic the lead against the USMNT 💥 …and against his former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino 😏
– Samstag, 6. September 2025

MAN OF THE MATCH: In his first national team appearance since his record-breaking MLS move, Son reminded everyone why he remains one of the sport's elite stars.