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U-20 USMNT crushes Bermuda in second game of NTC Invitational

Tab Ramos

Photo by ISIPhotos.com

By DAN KARELL

There was no need for a comeback on Wednesday evening.

After needing late heroics to defeat Chile last Monday, the Under-20 U.S. Men’s National Team returned to the field on Wednesday and scored three times in the first half, cruising to a 4-0 victory over Bermuda in the second match of the National Training Center Invitational.

Forwards Andrija Novakovich, Zach Pfeffer, and recent addition Tommy Thompson each scored for the USA in the victory, which ties the U.S. with Australia after two games.

The U-20s opened the scoring in the 27th minute as midfielder Caleb Smith dribbled down the left wing before crossing a ball into the middle. Novakovich found himself open in the box and slotted home to give the USA a 1-0 lead.

Twelve minutes later, Novakovich was fouled in the penalty box and the USA was awarded a penalty kick taken by Pfeffer. The Philadelphia Union homegrown product fired his shot into the left corner, past diving Bermuda goalkeeper Jahquil Hill.

Thompson added the U-20s third goal in the 45th minute, when he collected a cross, took a touch to his right, and fired home inside the box.

The U-20s continued their dominance into the second half and were rewarded with a fourth goal after a corner kick was headed off the crossbar onto a Bermuda defender and across the line in the 85th minute.

The USA will conclude the NTC Invitational with a match against Australia on Friday at 7 p.m. ET. The match will be streamed live on USSoccer.com.

Here’s a look at the U-20 USMNT lineup from Wednesday’s victory over Bermuda:

Zach Steffen; Chris Odoi-Atsem,Conor Donovan (Michael Amick, 46), Jesus Vasquez, Caleb Smith; Tommy Thompson (Benji Lopez, 64), Jacori Hayes, Marco Delgado (capt.) (Russell Canouse, 64), Zach Pfeffer (John Requejo Jr., 73); Romain Gall (Fernando Arce, 64), Andrija Novakovich (Lynden Gooch, 79)

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What do you think of this performance? Excited to see Novakovich, Pfeffer, and Thompson all score? How do you feel the defense played?

Share your thoughts below.

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