In a high-scoring beatdown of New Zealand by the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team, it was a defender who stood head and shoulders above the rest.
During the 6-0 victory, defender Justen Glad put on a show both in the attacking and defensive ends of the field. With injuries and suspensions across the field for the U.S. U-20s, Glad slotted into the right back position in an altered starting eleven and more than made his case for continued time on the field with an all-around performance as he guided the team to a quarterfinal appearance.
Although Josh Sargent ended up being credited with the first goal of the match, it was Glad who set up and took the shot that deflected off Sargent’s knee and into the back of the net in the 32nd minute, ultimately earning the defender an assist. While that converted corner opened the scoring, it wouldn’t be the last time Glad affected the scoreline. Glad was also a part of the U-20s five-goal second half outburst, as he knocked in a header off another corner to raise the U.S. advantage to 4-0.
In a match with plenty of praise to go around, and six U.S. players finding themselves on the score sheet, Glad’s goal, assist, and shutout defense beat out very strong performances from Sargent, another shining match for midfielder Tyler Adams, and others in earning SBI Man of the Match honors.
Glad may very well have played himself into the starting eleven for the quarterfinal match against Venezuela on Sunday at 2 a.m. ET.
My hope is the back 4 lineup with CCV and EPB as center backs, Glad out right, and Acosta out left, keep the front 6 the same
From what I’ve seen, I agree. One worry is that Acosta looked really spent when he came off, the quick turn-around might not work very well for him.
Lennon was probably my Man of the Match, but since we are talking about Glad, I would like to see him at right back against Venezuela. He is sounder defensively than Herrera, is athletic enough to keep the other team honest going forward into the attack, and adds another aerial threat for set pieces in the box, which could decide things against a Venezuela team that has yet to give up a goal.
I worry about his speed against a faster team
He might be more stay at home in that case, plus Herrera has been torched several times during this tourney. I’m guessing Tab is at least thinking about it, but my guess will be he goes back to Herrera and saves Glad as a possible late defensive sub. Not a terrible problem to have.