The U.S. Under-20 men’s national team will be playing for its fourth-consecutive CONCACAF U-20 Championship title on Sunday.
Michael Nsien’s squad sealed their return to the tournament final after downing Panama 2-1 in semifinal action on Friday. David Vazquez scored the opening goal of the match before Brooklyn Raines delivered the winning goal with four minutes to play.
The Americans will face Mexico in Leon on Sunday.
Vazquez’s goal came in the 40th minute after great service from Niko Tsakiris on the right wing. Tsakiris raced towards the end line before crossing into the box, watching as Vazquez redirected the service into the bottom corner.
Panama tied the match in the 72nd minute after Rafael Mosquera equalized from the penalty spot. The New York Red Bulls attacker made no mistake, rifling his left-footed effort into the top-right corner.
However, second-half substitute Raines would play the hero for the USMNT U-20 squad before the final whistle. After settling a clearance outside of the Panama box, Raines took a touch before volleying home off the crossbar.
B B B, Benny and the Jets
What a thunderbolt from Raines. Up next Mexico.
Loved the look on the GK’s face “How was I suppose to stop that?” He seemed to be thinking.