The U.S. Under-20 men’s national team’s quest of repeating as CONCACAF U-20 Championship winners came to a painful ending in Leon on Sunday.
Mexico defeated the Americans 2-1 in Sunday’s tournament final. The USMNT U-20’s had won the previous three editions of the competition.
After a goal-less first half, the USMNT U-20’s struck first. Charlotte FC’s Nimfasha Berchimas’ long-range curler in the 52nd minute propelled the Americans in front 1-0.
The Americans could not hang onto their lead though as Mateo Levy’s stoppage time header in the 95th minute made it 1-1.
As both teams pressed for a winner in extra time, Mexico took their chance in the final minute. Diego Ochoa’s powerful header nestled into the far corner for a 2-1 Mexico lead.
Despite a valiant effort from the Americans, their winning streak ended in the tournament final. Both Mexico and the United States will be in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup though after reaching the final four.
BRUTAL way to lose a game: last second headers (hey, isnt that what USA does best not Mexico? lol) at both the end of regulation and OT.
I was pretty bummed out by both the U-20 and Olympic teams.
First the positives. We are steadily generating a corp of internationally capable players who bode well for our future. We saw a number of players who will push for spots in the World Cup.
Here’s the negatives. We are not physically matching up to our opponents. And a lot of it is not being as fit as your opponents.
In the Olympic matches, the team conceded 3 goals in the last 30 minutes. You do that when fatigue sets in. You’re a step slow and and you make mental errors.
The U-20s were much the same. The last 20 minutes of regulation ther were gassed in almost every game. Against Mexico they were just banging the ball down the field. Mental and physical exhaustion!
The other sports I follow, you are always hearing about diet, exercise and strength training staff working with the players to develop them over multiple years. Does MLS and the USSF do that? If so it’s a secret.
Can’t blame the two coaches. The players come in and you practice and play. But what the hell is going on behind the scenes?
The sports science seems pretty advanced at US Soccer, and besides it’s at their clubs these guys would get that anyway. I didn’t watch this game so can’t comment on it, but the other major comps our teams have been in, we haven’t subbed/rotated enough imo. Going back to mens WC 2022, where we were gassed against the Netherlands from the opening whistle. Olympic women against Japan looked similar. I know it’s a trend right now to “control the game” and that means supposedly less running, but my eyes are telling me a different story. Not to mention it never gives a chance to other players that might bring something helpful in addition to fresh legs. Interested to see how the USWNT looks today. Maybe they come out flying and keep at it the whole game, and prove me wrong lol.
Nsien is going to have to do some more scouting this next year in MLS next pro. Striker is definitely a position that needs an upgrade, but we were missing Rodrigo Neri which he is now with Atlanta United, so I don’t know why he wasn’t selected. I rate him. He has two goals in 3 games for Atlanta United 2 since he was signed literally in July.
After the US scored it was old school bunker ball which almost worked.
The team will need some upgrades heading into the WC. Hopefully players will be released for it.
That is a heck of a goal from Berchimas. He does have talent. Still needs some refining, but at 16 I do think he has a bright future.
Needs to get stronger, he was often just nudged off the ball. Like he was a 16 yr old against 19 yr olds.
They usually aren’t though, but that also happens to the bigger teams usually too.
I hope some will be. The tournament is in July I believe, so teams in Europe can’t claim they need said young player for the end of the season like what happened with our last group.
Akinboni, Banks, Wydner, Fletcher, Kochen, Beavers, Rudisil, Neri, and Campbell. Tyler Meiser is we can get him to switch. Esmir is he doesn’t switch (I think he will switch). I think Campbell and Kochen releases will be difficult at anytime. I haven’t seen any dates listed yet. The key like usual is improve between qualifying and WC but not so much that your team doesn’t release you.
33-6 shots
67-33 possession
19-2 corners
80-62 passing accuracy
It was very much like an old school USA vs Mexico. Mexico dominated and the US just tried to sit back and absorb. As usual when Mexico is behind added time went well beyond the indicated but Mexico was by far the better team. I’m not sure how many players Mexico couldn’t get released but the US was missing a lot. The main goal was to qualify but stings that we lost focus with literally seconds remaining.
That was pretty much Mexicos A squad missing perhaps Obed Vargas. But Vargas seems likely to start receiving El Tri call ups not their u 20’s
Also I believe the US had one of the youngest teams in this tournament.
Absolutely agree. Mexico was the better team. The US did seem like a 20 or so years ago team. Bunker in and thump the ball out to no one in particular.
We give up 2 headers to lose the title? Wow!
and both coming on the final touch of the ball…hmmm