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.

“Super important for us,” star Christian Pulisic said after assisting on the second goal as the 15th-ranked Americans beat No. 17 Japan 2-0 on Tuesday night . “It’s been a tough go recently and we wanted to walk away with some confidence, with a good feeling going into the next camps, obviously leading into a World Cup year.”

Alejandro Zendejas scored in the 30th minute and Folarin 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

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