COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Mauricio Pochettino and the U.S. felt like they needed a win, even in a friendly nine months ahead of the World Cup against an opponent sending out its second string.

Criticism had become a constant, with Alexi Lalas calling for Pochettino's firing.

“It was super important ... about giving the fans some good news,” Folarin Balogun said after scoring as the 15th-ranked Americans beat No. 17 Japan 2-0 on Tuesday night .

Alejandro Zendejas scored in the 30th minute and Balogun added a goal in the 64th against a Japan team missing all 11 starters from its clinching win in World Cup qualifying.

After three straight matches in St. Louis, Houston and Harrison, New Jersey, at which fans overwhelming supported the visitors, the U.S. drew a pro-American sellout crowd of 2

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