The U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team is going to the World Cup, and they’ll have a chance to claim CONCACAF supremacy on the way there.
In need of a win or draw to clinch their group, the U.S. defeated El Salvador, 2-1, to book their spot in this summer’s World Cup in South Korea. In addition, the win sees the U.S. seal a spot in the CONCACAF final, where they’ll take on Honduras to determine the federation’s best U-20 team.
Emmanuel Sabbi opened the scoring in the 18th minute as Eryk Williamson played provider to give the U.S. the early advantage. After receiving a pass from Luca de la Torre, Williamson turned and slid a pass through the El Salvador defense and into the path of the Las Palmas forward. Sabbi rushed to it and fired first time, giving the U.S. the lead.
That lead was doubled seven minutes later on a spectacular effort from Williamson. Following a giveaway, Williamson rocketed a shot from outside of the box, leaving the goalkeeper helpless as the ball soared in for 2-0.
Are you kidding me, Eryk Williamson? 😱 Chests it down and strikes from way outside the box.
Pssst, @SportsCenter 👀 pic.twitter.com/BoqrVGot1O
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) March 4, 2017
El Salvador was able to pull one back in the 35th minute through Marvin Marquez, but it proved nowhere near enough. Needing a big win to seal their own advancement, La Selecta was unable to break down the U.S. defense again as Tab Ramos’ side cruised to a U-20 World Cup berth.
With just moments remaining, the match got ugly as El Salvador’s Marcos Rodriguez and U.S. midfielder Sebastian Saucedo were sent off for a brawl started by a hard foul.
Before they look towards South Korea, though, the U.S. U-20s will play for CONCACAF supremacy as they take on Honduras on Sunday for the right to be crowned region champions.
that was one hell of a goal.
What a turn around from the rough start to the tournament. Going to look forward to seeing them in the World Cup
Don’t be surprised to see a significantly different squad when the WC rolls around this summer as we should have the rest of the age eligible players available for selection….
CCV, Zelalem, Wright, Perez, Olosunde, Barbir, Akale
Should be interesting to see who advances their cause this spring as the MLS season gets rolling, and the European seasons wind down.
Pulisic, John Nelson (who could have been picked, but wasn’t, he is still the best player on Friedel’s U-19 squad from last winter)
Dennis, are related to this kid? Or know him? He was called into camp and found not good enough to make U20 roster, a roster that included 3 MLS regulars. The roster at the last WC included one more roster spot than this years concacaf tourney, but with other DF playing at much higher levels in Europe becoming available his inclusion seems unlikely.
Pulisic won’t be in the squad. Needed for WCQs in June.