The U.S Under-20 Men’s National Team closed out its September schedule on a convincing note by claiming a shutout win over Paraguay.
Mikey Varas’ side defeated Paraguay 2-0 on Tuesday, ending their Revelations Cup schedule with a 2-1-0 record. Kevin Paredes scored one goal and added one assist while Brian Gutierrez also celebrated a goal of his own.
It was a fast start for the Americans as Paredes called his own number in the seventh minute. Paredes cut into the center of the Paraguay box before curling a left-footed shot into the bottom-right corner for a 1-0 lead.
The USMNT U-20’s doubled its advantage in the 30th minute as Paredes played distributor on the second goal. His cross from the left wing was tapped home by Gutierrez in the center of the box, continuing a strong offensive performance from the Americans.
A total of eight of the 11 players in the USMNT U-20’s starting lineup came from MLS with the Philadelphia Union, Real Sal Lake, Chicago Fire, and New York Red Bulls among the clubs represented. Chris Brady posted the shutout for the Americans while Paredes, Justin Che and Jonathan Gomez all made their second starts of the tournament.
The USMNT U-20’s next competitive matches will come in 2023 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Kevin Paredes could be the left footed attacker we have been missing since Beasley. Paxten Aaronson has regressed a little since the U20 CONCACAF championship. But I blame Curtin for that. Who hasn’t given him nor Quin Sullivan many minutes even when Philly is cruising in games.
Add a legit striker to the team and they could be dark horses to win the WC. I think Rodrigo Neri will be added from the U19’s to fill that role.
Obviously it’s a different level with it being U-20s, but watching this team is fun. They don’t look stiff and just stick to one spot waiting for a pass. Passes are constantly 1-2 touch and players are moving into space without the ball constantly. They are still at that young, not-afraid, go for it level. For the senior team being a group of young guys, they seem to have lost that attitude pretty quick.
You’d lose your attitude if your coach has demonstrated that he’ll pull your card from the team if you don’t play his way. That’s what i see with the Sr. team. Guys afraid to play freely because they want to keep getting on the field.
Absolutely. Berhalter has completely lost the ability to get those players to play to their strengths. And now it’s too late to fix anything before the World Cup.