The U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team fell by a 1-0 scoreline to Brazil on Thursday in its first of two matches at the 2019 United Invitational Football Festival.
Jason Kreis’ side struggled to get much going offensively in what was a lackluster performance in Spain. Despite the likes of Richard Ledezma, Jeremy Ebobisse, and Jonathan Lewis in the starting lineup, the U.S. were put on the back foot for most of the match.
Brazil scored the only goal in the match in the 15th minute as Matheus Cunha’s low drive beat Philadelphia Union product Matt Freese to the bottom-left corner. Despite Mark McKenzie racing to block the shot, the effort left Freese fooled as Brazil took the lead.
Kreis made four changes to start the second-half, bringing on the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Christian Cappis, Mason Toye, and Sebastian Saucedo.
Saucedo had the best chance for the U.S. on the night, missing just wide in the 75th minute. Alex Mendez and Emmanuel Sabbi made late cameos for the U.S., but it wouldn’t lead to a tying goal as Brazil ran away with the slim victory in the tournament opener.
The U.S. will face either Argentina or the Canary Islands in the third place match of the tournament on Sunday.
Root cause of the goal was a turnover in the defense, when our player tried to dribble out from the back instead of sending the ball wide. He got dispossessed because he failed to shield the ball when the opposition challenged him. Always put yourself between the ball and the other player. Basic stuff anyone learns at the rec level
He had a chance to switch the ball to the opposite side but took an extra touch and made another bad decision of not shielding the ball.
Who was the defender? (for those of us that couldn’t watch the game)
Sounded like Datsun the car brand. Never heard of him before in the senior team camps.
Game can be seen as replay from ESPN3. Free with most ISPs.
I don’t care if we lose every match to World futbol powers like Brasil & Argentina, as long as they qualify for the Olympics. I don’t think some of us, realize that the players, who didn’t qualify under Porter or Herzog, make up the core of USMNT. We will beat Canary Islands and lose to Argentina. Olympic qualifying should be the priority. When the players that are in Europe, become starters, they will not be released by their clubs. I don’t trust Kreis, but the players in this age group, give me a lil hope.
Caleb Porter is such a sob and should be sued. He allowed us to play on that artificial grass at the Akron Winter Camp and me and several other players feet got injured badly. He even questioned if I was injured. Pathetic he could not get the team to qualify for the 2012 Olympics. the guy is only good at coaching MLS and that is it. International coaching and national team coaching is a no. If he ever gets hired as the USMNT coach I will not support them until he is out.
Now, we understand why all comments are always personal!
I didnt see the game but am wondering if they appeared to be playing GB ball or not?
GREAT LINEUP CHOICE by Kreis. Totally pleased to see this MLS Chicago Fire kid captain the side and to see Alex Mendez on the bench. And boy am I glad we didn’t bother calling up Uly Llanez…
1-0 against the currrent roster they have Martinelli, Wendel and Paulinho is okay. Brasil u -23 have a lot of players. Wonder why Kreis didnt call up Kyle Scott who plays for Newcastle u-23 he gets 90 every week on Yaks abroad.