This year was supposed to be different. After years of disappointment, this was the year where the U.S. U-20 National Team put everything together. But despite the supposed new mindset around the team, old problems resurfaced in their opening match of the CONCACAF U-20 Championship. Missed opportunities and last minute gaffes sealed USA’s fate in their 1-1 draw with Guatemala.
At the start of the first forty-five it appeared not a question of if the United States would score but when.U.S. U-20 National Team coach Tab Ramos put his players in a traditional 4-4-2 setup but with a twist: he put forward Paul Arriola in as a center midfielder. This gave Ramos the freedom to put Bradford Jamieson IV and Tommy Thompson up front.
By doing this the United States could have Thompson move freely on the outside while allowing Arriola and Jamieson all of the opportunities on the inside. This system nearly paid off in the 12th minute as Jamieson was able to dummy a ball through to Thompson who found himself all alone against Guatemala goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen. Thomspon’s shot was on target but Hagen was able to make himself big and make the save.
The United States would continue to press against Guatemala for the entire first-half, using midfielders Romain Gall and Junior Flores to force the compact Guatemalan defense out of their shell. In particular Gall’s ability to move in tight spaces helped the US get out of several jams in the first half.
To hold off the United States attack, the Guatemalan defense were forced to make several difficult fouls close to goal. In the 19th minute, the US had a free kick opportunity just outside of the eighteen yard box of Guatemala. But Arriola took an awkward free kick that landed straight into the arms of Hagen. The US would have several opportunities via set pieces but were unable to convert on any of their opportunities.
While the United States attack were having difficulties finishing their chances, the defense had veyr little trouble against Guatemala. Led by skipper Kellyn Acosta, the US suffocated any opportunities by Guatemala limiting them to just two shots in the first half. Right-back Cameron Carter-Vickers used his height and strength to out-muscle forward Chris Ortiz to end an opportunity in the 29th minute.
The US would have one other opportunity in the 42nd minute when Arriola would lay in a cross into the box. Jamieson IV made an excellent pass into Carter-Vickers on the far post but he was unable to place a shot on target.
Ramos’ side were finally able to put a shot off of a set piece when Carter-Vickers headed home a corner kick taken by Schellas Hyndman in the 58th minute. The goal was Carter Vickers’ first goal while playing for the United States.
With three points within their grasp, the US would let the victory slip through their hands late. Guatemalan forward Diego Escobar’s corner kick in injury time would land at the feet of midfielder Andy Ruiz. The F.C. Dallas Homegrown player then slotted his shot past a diving Steffen to even the score 1-1.
With just one point, USA will look for three points against Panama, who beat Aruba 4-0 earlier today. That match will be played on Sunday at 5:30 EST and be shown live on Fox Sports 2 and Univision Deportes.
Guatemala (0-1-1) meanwhile will play host Jamaica, who drew with Trinidad and Tobago 2-2. The match between Jamaica and Guatemala will also be played on Sunday at 7pm EST on FoxSoccer2Go.
MATCH SUMMARY
USA–Zack Steffen, Juan Requejo, Matt Miazga, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Shaquell Moore, Kellyn Acosta, Paul Arriola, Junior Flores (Emerson Hyndman 45′,) Romain Gall (Russell Canouse 85′,) Bradford Jamieson IV (Lynden Gooch 67′,) and Tommy Thompson.
Goal : Carter-Vickers (59′)
Yellow Card:Gall (52′)
Guatemala- Nicholas Hagen, Mauricio Maltes, Carlos Estrada, Kevin Grijvala, Cristian Jimenez, Julio Ortiz, Shtiven Robles (Pablo Aguilar 62,’) Andy Ruiz, Mario Hernandez (Kevin Milian 66′,) Mauro Portillo, and Christopher Ortiz (Diego Escobar 81′).
Goal- Ruiz (90′)
Yellow Card- Maltes (19′)
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