WATCH: Club America star Alejandro Zendejas sends message with amazing first-half goal in USMNT start against Japan

U.S. international Alejandro Zendejas got a rare start against Japan on Tuesday, and he took full advantage, scoring an incredible volley off a whipped cross from Max Arfsten in the 30th minute to give the U.S. men's national team a 1-0 lead over the Samurai Blue.

It was his second goal for the USMNT, coming in just his 13th appearance for the national team. 

Zendejas's status with the USMNT has come under question since Mauricio Pochettino arrived as manager almost a year ago.  The Club America winger, who has won league titles in four of the last five years, only received one call-up from the Argentine manager, and it came under his first camp.

Zendejas, for his part, was diplomatic when asked about it during the MLS All-Star break. 

"That's his decision for him to make, and I respect it 100 percent," he said. "What I can do is my job, you know, I got to perform on the field, and then hopefully that call up will come."

The U.S. will focus on upcoming friendlies in October as they're set to lineup against Ecuador and Australia.