The United States under 20’s started off their World Cup campaign with a 3-3 draw to a good looking Ecuador team. The USA finds itself in a tough group that also includes Senegal, a semi-finalist in the previous edition of this tournament, and Saudi Arabia. After fighting back to tie the scoreline twice throughout the match, the US secured a point with Luca de la Torre’s stoppage time goal. For full highlights, click here.
Wearing their white uniforms, the USA was shell shocked early by Ecuador, giving up two goals in 7 minutes. Both were scored in similar fashion. Ecuador pressured high into midfield on the first pass that came from the USA back line. The pressure forced sloppy passes to try to get out of pressure and were picked up by the Ecuadorian attackers who went in on goal.
The US was very fortunate to not lose GK Jonathan Klinsmann on the second goal. Washington Corozo beat RB Aaron Herrara, Klinsmann came to get the ball and took down the man while getting none of the ball in the process. The ball trickled out to a fellow attacker who slotted home. The ref easily could have awarded a red card for Klinsmann’s foul but the move to play advantage spared the young GK.
After a rampant start the USA began to settle into the game. Gedion Zelalem unfortunately had to be taken off with injury, he went down on his own so we will await news on him, and was replaced by Philadelphia Union midfielder Derrick Jones. Jones’ introduction seemed to settle the midfield as he is a more natural holding midfielder when compared with Zelalem.
The United States got on the score sheet on 36 minutes when de la Torre found 17 year old Josh Sargent. The St. Louis native popped up his first touch but kept his composure to slot home from about 5 yards out. Sargent pulled the USA level on 54 minutes after being the beneficiary of a Brooks Lennon cross. Lennon, who had himself a very good game put the ball right onto Sargent’s forehead, who then did well to put it back where it came from to score.
The second half was exciting end to end action. It could be worrying the amount of chances and pressure that Ecuador had but you have to hope that much of it was first game jitters and that the US are still trying to gel. Also, the USA might not see a more dynamic and speedy attack in group play. The third goal was all about what the USA did wrong and not what Ecuador did right.
After some brilliant play minutes before, Klinsmann became the face of a “what not to do” goalkeeper highlight. Ecuador pressured high up into the attacking third and the ball found it’s way to Klinsmann on the edge of his six yard box. After being closed down he attempted to dribble out of trouble, got mugged and Ecuador was up 3-2.
With about a minute and a half left in stoppage time the US found their tying goal. Lennon, as he did all game, played in a dangerous cross that fell to an Ecuador defender who headed the ball back across the box. It fell about 15 yards out to de la Torre who made no mistake and slotted it to the right side of goal past goalie and a defender.
The USA plays Senegal at 7 am EST on Thursday May 25th. You can catch that game on Fox Sports 1. All U-20 World Cup action will also be on Fox Sports 1 and 2
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