Thanks to Union Berlin midfielder Brendan Aaronson, the US national team celebrated their friendly win with confidence. The hosts won 4-0 (1-0) against Oman in St. Paul, Minnesota, with Aaronson (60th) scoring from a direct free kick to make it 2-0.
Other goals were scored by Fowler Balogun (13th) and ex-Augsburger Riccardo Pepi (79th), while Oman defender Khalid Al-Braiki (81st) scored an own goal.
“I’ve seen a young team. A lot of young players have come in, so overall I’m very happy with what I’ve seen,” said athletic director Matt Crocker.
It was center forward Balogun’s second goal for the U.S. in just his fourth international. The former England U21 international switched clubs in May.
The United States will host the Copa America soccer tournament next summer. It’s a crucial match for head coach Greg Berhalter’s team ahead of the World Cup, which the U.S. hosts with Mexico and Canada two years later.
The next test follows in a month: The U.S. will then meet the German national team and then compete against co-hosts Mexico as part of the U.S. tour.
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