The U-20 USMNT put themselves in a great position to clinch Group F this Sunday in their final group stage match against Saudi Arabia.
Tab Ramos’ side was in action this morning (7am ET) in a match against Senegal at the Incheon Football Stadium in Korea. USA got off to a lively start by pressuring the Senegalese in their own half and were rewarded for their hard work. Forward Josh Sargent found the back of the net in the 34th minute with a left footed strike that flew past Senegal goalkeeper Mouhamed Mbaye.
The goal was a product of some clever build-up play from Tyler Adams and Luca de la Torre which opened up the Senegalese back line. De la Torre entered the box after a slight flick from Adams and passed to Sargent who, with one fluid motion, turned and struck the ball home to give the Americans the lead.
At 17 years, 91 days, Sargent is the youngest U.S. player in history to score a goal at the tournament – and he’s already tallied three. The striker led USA’s comeback charge against Ecuador with two goals in the Americans’ first match, which ended 3-3 and earned USA a valuable point.
USA was organized and strong defensively, limiting Senegal to only two shots on goal. Neither of which really troubled goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann who earned his first shutout of the tournament.
Final score: 1-0 to the Americans.
USA will clinch Group F with a win over Saudi Arabia on Sunday and will automatically advance if they draw. Tab Ramos will want to head into the knockout stage with as much momentum as possible so look for the Americans to press hard for the victory on Sunday.
USA starting lineup: (4-3-3)
1-Jonathan Klinsmann (GK); 3-Danny Acosta, 16-Cameron Carter-Vickers, 5-Erik Palmer-Brown, 14-Aaron Herrera; 7-Eryk Williamson (6-Justen Glad, 84th min), 8-Tyler Adams, 18-Derrick Jones; 17-Brooks Lennon, 19-Josh Sargent (15-Jeremy Ebobisse, 90+4 min), 20-Luca de la Torre (13-Lagos Kunga, 90 min)
Subs not used:
2-Auston Trusty, 4-Tommy Redding, 9-Emmanuel Sabbi, 11-Sebastian Saucedo, 12-James Marcinkowski, 21-Brady Scott
Head coach: Tab Ramos
Stats summary: USA/Senegal
Goals: 1/0
Shots on goal: 3/2
Saves: 2/2
Corner kicks: 6/8
Offside: 0/3
Fouls committed: 18/16
Yellow cards: 1/3
Red Cards: 0/0
Ussoccer.com Man of the Match: Cameron Carter-Vickers (D)
