United States 4-0 Oman (Sep 12, 2023) Game Analysis

The United States got here to life within the second half to place collectively a 4-0 win over Oman in a pleasant in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Tuesday evening.

Back on the sidelines for the second time since returning as U.S. coach, Gregg Berhalter watched his workforce labor at first — because it had in Saturday’s 3-0 victory in opposition to Uzbekistan — earlier than pulling away late within the recreation.

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Clear-cut probabilities had been laborious to return by, however Falorin Balogun’s put-back within the first half and a second-half free kick from Brenden Aaronson helped make it two wins from two with Berhalter again accountable for the USMNT.

Ricardo Pepi got here off the bench to attain within the 79th minute and strain from the U.S. compelled an personal aim from Oman’s Khalid Al-Braiki to place the hosts up 4.

“It’s important that they both [Balogun and Pepi] scored. And as far as we see the competition, it’s twofold, right? It’s what they do for their clubs each and every week and what they do for us when they’re in camp,” Berhalter stated.

The Americans have one other pair of friendlies in October’s worldwide window — this time in opposition to higher-profile sides — as they face Germany on Oct. 14, and Ghana three days later.

“We needed to learn from this camp how to play and how to beat opponents of this caliber”, Berhalter stated after USMNT two victories over Oman and Uzbekistan. “Next camp’s going to be a different proposition. How do you beat two world top 25 teams? Germany just beat France today. So it’s going to be different type of games and we’ll get everyone ready and prepared to step up and meet this competition.”

Tim Weah began the transfer towards Balogun’s aim with a cross that bounced all the way in which throughout the sphere. Weston McKennie picked up the ball, turned and beat Abdullah Fawaz, then crossed again to Weah on the far facet of the penalty space. Weah laid off the ball to Sergiño Dest, who one-timed a shot that goalkeeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini parried. Balogun knocked within the ball together with his left foot from simply outdoors the 6-yard field for his second worldwide aim.

Aaronson, who had changed Christian Pulisic initially of the second half, earned the free kick when he was shoved by Ahmed Al Khamisi. Aaronson put his kick by way of the wall and previous Al Mukhaini on a hop from 27 yards. It was Aaronson’s eighth aim in 34 worldwide appearances.

Pepi scored his ninth worldwide aim, his sixth in six video games this 12 months, from simply contained in the penalty space after settling a DeJuan Jones cross.

Benjamin Cremaschi, an 18-year Inter Miami midfielder, entered within the 71st minute and was adopted by Kevin Paredes, a 20-year Wolfsburg defender. There have been 59 debuts underneath Berhalter.

“His [Cremaschi’s] performance today did nothing to change my opinion. I think he’s a highly, highly talented player, exciting potential, and I think he showed that today. So overall, pleased with him,” stated the U.S. coach.

The recreation time temperature was about 58 levels, up from 5 levels for the February 2022 World Cup qualifier in opposition to Honduras held in St. Paul.

The U.S. made 4 modifications from Saturday’s win over Uzbekistan. Ethan Horvath began in aim instead of Nottingham Forest teammate Matt Turner, Kristoffer Lund at left again for Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson in central protection for Tim Ream and Malik Tillman in midfield for Luca de la Torre.

Horvath performed his first worldwide match since June 2022.

Information from ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura and The Associated Press was used on this story.