Top Stories

U.S. U-20 MNT clinch World Cup berth with win over Costa Rica

1 Shares

Following a perfect record in the group stage of the 2018 Concacaf Championship, the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team had its eyes set on a strong start in Friday’s second stage.

Tab Ramos’ side showed zero signs of slowing down with a 4-0 win over Costa Rica in Bradenton, clinching a spot in the 2019 FIFA World Cup.

Alex Mendez continued his strong tournament, scoring the U.S.’ opener from long range in the 15th minute.

Ulysses Llanez doubled the hosts lead later in the half, creating space for a shot which found the bottom-left corner.

Early in the second-half, Juan Pablo Torres added to the lead in the 49th minute. The midfielder snuck a right-footed shot in to extend the U.S.’ lead.

Ayo Akinola capped the final score at 4-0, heading home from a set piece later in the half.

The team will now aim for a place in the Concacaf Championship Final as they face Honduras on Nov. 19th.

Comments

    • Not in the short term, by next fall if they get the right club situation. No one thought Jona Gonzalez was ready, and then a great camp with Monterrey and a good starting spot with quality veterans around him and he takes off.
      —————————————————————————————————————-
      Dest is starting to see time in Dutch 2nd division for Ajax II, Soto has trained some with Hannover first team so club wise he isn’t far behind Sargent but doesn’t have the USYNT cred. Mendez and Llanez will be beginning with new clubs in Europe so how much they will progress right away is up in the air. If you looked at McKennie or Pulisic 10-12 months before their debuts you wouldn’t have believed they were ready so who knows. I still think Efrain Alvarez is the best of this U20-U16 age group but the new manager will have to make a run at him but he seems open. Gio Reyna (not with this squad) is supposed to make his move to Dortmund soon, but it would take a Pulisic type development to get to the Nats by even the Gold Cup. It will be interesting as well what happens with Chris Richards as his loan ends in January, will it be extended, will Bayern purchase him and keep him, or purchase and loan him out. Richards is at a more full position than the wing midfielders, and forwards.

      Reply
  1. Two comments:
    1) Im sure the hacking really makes Tab mad since it was a CR punk that tore up his knee back in the day. Almost the same situation as yesterday. Tab was more skillful and embarrassing CR so one of their punks tackled him and tore up his knee. He was never really the same after that

    2) Tab’s team looks so much better than Sarachan’s team in every way. Start calling some up to the Sr. team. I seriously hope that Tab is the new coach and goes full youth. We can send Wood home for starters… forwards at U20 are better than any of the Sr forwards (except maybe Sargent)

    Reply
    • That’s cute how you think that playing against a WC semi finalist and playing against a team that might not even qualify for the U20 WC is the same. These kids are promising but they are playing on Youth and USL teams for the most part for a reason and its not a SUM/MLS conspiracy.

      Reply
  2. Should be noted Llanez left the game a few mins after he scored with an injury. No word on how bad it is yet.

    Reply
  3. These boys are good! The referee was the worst I’ve seen in a long time. It’s really remarkable that we have any players that can play the next match after the ‘working over’ this referee allowed. Now those CR hacks have to hope we beat Honduras by 5 goals. That’s justice! USA 3 Honduras 0 would be perfect after the lack of culture and class I saw from those CR thugs.

    Reply
    • Damn straight!!! I love watching our youngsters perform. But don’t get too mad at Costa Rica until you see Honduras…. probably another bloodbath.

      Reply
      • Intimidation is the number one tool for those people. Unfortunately, the referees are pulled in to this and these referees seem incapable of making good decisions with this. Bring in EURO referees!

      • I’m okay with it (sort of). Of course it would be good to have proper referees for these matches. But it will never happen. And in that sense, I’m okay with our kids getting used to the sort of terrible CONCACAF refereeing they can expect for as long as they wear the US shirt. Doesn’t get any better when they become senior players…. might as well learn to tough it out, sadly….

Leave a Comment