The U.S. Under-20 men’s national team punched its ticket into the CONCACAF U-20 Championship semifinals.
Ruben Ramos Jr’s second-half goal paired with Adam Beaudry’s one-save clean sheet helped Michael Nsien’s squad reach the tournament’s final four. The Americans will face either Panama or Canada on Friday in Leon.
Sealing a semifinal berth also guaranteed the USMNT U-20’s a spot in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Following a goal-less first half, the USMNT U-20’s wasted little time to take their lead. Ruben Ramos picked up possession at the top of Guatemala’s box before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot into the far corner.
It marked Ramos’ second goal of the competition and his first since Matchday 1 vs. Jamaica.
Guatemala pressed for a tying goal and had a great opportunity to level things up from the penalty spot in the 89th minute. Rudy Munoz drew a foul from Nimfasha Berchimas but Olger Escobar’s spot kick was denied by Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Beaudry.
The Americans were denied on three occasions by Guatemala’s Fausto Delgado, but did enough to survive and advance.
Outscoring their opposition 15-0 to date, the USMNT U-20’s will be a tough out for every remaining team in the tournament.
Not pretty, but we survived and advanced and that’s all that is important.
Definitely not their best performance, but they did a good job mucking it up with Guatemala. On to the Semis and the U20 WC.
Job done. Most of these kids will not be going to the U20 WC. Releases were a huge issue because of the timing, and it‘s not hyperbole to say this was a B team. Still got the job done but I will shocked if this squad isn‘t 80% different for the tourney.
Why Vasquez did not play we don‘t know. Hate to say it, but I would wager on Panama beating us again. They look to be the best team in the tourney from what I have seen.