USMNT returns to Columbus,Site of Historic Victories,for Exhibition Match Against Japan
COLUMBUS,OH – The U.S. Men’s National Soccer team (USMNT) will play an exhibition match against japan at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio, on September 27, 2024, U.S. Soccer announced. The return to Columbus marks a notable moment for the program, recalling a period of dominance over rival Mexico fueled by the unique atmosphere and challenging conditions the city provided.
For years, Columbus served as a fortress for the USMNT, notably during World Cup qualifying matches. Previously, the team often played in California and other locations, but a strategic shift began in the early 2000s. The U.S. intentionally selected venues designed to create a challenging environment for opponents, culminating in a series of matches in Columbus known for their frigid temperatures and fervent support.
The most iconic stretch began with a 2-0 victory over Mexico in february 2001, when the kickoff temperature hovered at 29 degrees. former U.S. goalkeeper Brad Friedel vividly remembers the scene. “We started picking venues that made it difficult for the opposition, and we took Mexico to Columbus on a very cold night,” Friedel said. “I remember [Mexico goalkeeper] Jorge Campos looking at me, and I was just wearing shorts and a shirt… he was wearing gloves underneath his goalkeeping gloves, ear warmers and stuff.”
Columbus hosted three more World Cup qualifiers in 2005, 2009, and 2013, with the U.S. winning each game 2-0. This four-game winning streak became known as “Dos a Cero” – “two to zero” in Spanish - and cemented Columbus’s reputation as a opposed ground for Mexico.
Friedel, a former Columbus Crew player, emphasized the strong support from ohio fans. “The crowds in Columbus were excellent,” he said. “I think Ohio, just in general, whether you’re in Cincinnati, Columbus or Cleveland, the people of Ohio get behind the team.”
The USMNT now faces a new chapter as it prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World cup. The team recently appointed Mauricio Pochettino as head coach in September 2024, aiming to leverage his expertise for success. Friedel, who played under Pochettino at Tottenham Hotspur, believes he is an excellent choice.”He’s one of the very best globally,” Friedel said.”I have no doubt that when the World Cup comes around, the team is going to be incredibly competitive.”
The current USMNT roster includes talent from Major League Soccer, including two Columbus Crew defenders, Max Arfsten and Sean Zawadzki, reflecting the growing strength of the domestic league.
Tickets for the match against Japan are available through the U.S. Soccer official website.
The USMNT has four additional friendlies scheduled for 2025:
Ecuador, Oct. 10,Austin,Texas
Australia,Oct. 14, Commerce city, Colorado
Paraguay, Nov. 15, Chester, Pennsylvania
Uruguay, Nov. 18, Tampa, Florida.