World Cup qualification is always a journey.
No matter the age level or if it is the men’s or women’s game it is a journey that sees teams through the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Those that can manage and learn from their mistakes and matches are rewarded with a spot in the World Cup and those that don’t have another cycle to think about what went wrong. After sputtering early in the CONCACAF U-20 Championships, the United States under-20 National Team corrected the ship and sealed their spot in New Zealand with a 2-0 victory over El Salvador in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Although U.S. Boys/Men’s youth teams are typically criticized for their conservative play during qualification situations, Tab Ramos’ side started the first half with passion and fire. In just the second minute of the match, US midfielder Tommy Thompson would catch a pass in open space from fellow midfielder Emerson Hyndman. Thompson sprinted past the Salvadorean defense and fire a shot that would go just wide of the goal. El Salvador goalkeeper Carlos Canas narrowed Thompson shot window which forced him to go low and wide.
Hyndman would orchestrate another opportunity for the United States in the 12th minute when he would fire with the inside of his right foot to forward Romain Gall. Gall, who plays for Columbus Crew SC would get past the Salvadorean defense and find himself all alone against Canas. But Canas would make a well-timed dive to separate Gall from the ball and end the threat.
El Salvador would try and stem the US attack through a short passing system meant to frustrate the American defenders. Midfielders Alvaro Guardado and Jose Villavicencio would work give and go passes in tight spaces trying to break through a tough US defense. But the US defense, led by midfielder Russell Canouse and center-backs Shaquell Moore and Matt Miazga would continue their dominant play, limiting El Salvador’s chances.
The continuous pressure on the Salvadorean defense would finally pay off in the 36th minute when forward Ben Spencer would head home a goal off of the cross-bar. The goal was Spencer’s first of the tournament and gave the United States the 1-0 lead. While Spencer scored the goal it was the free kick cross by Hyndman that set up the play. Fulham fans should get used to calling his name on Saturday and Sunday.
Although the United States had the lead, American supporters know that 1-0 leads are not a sure thing in youth soccer. Their worst fears almost came to fruition when Hyndman would foul El Salvador forward Bryan Perez in the penalty box. But on the ensuing penalty kick, American goalkeeper Zack Steffen would make a diving save to rob Villavicencio a goal on his 20th birthday.
After the scare, the United States looked for a second goal to put away El Salvador. Miazga’s diving header off of a free kick by Hyndman in the 62nd minute came within a whisker of accomplishing it. But Canas once again foiled the Americans with a fingertip save that bounced off of the cross bar and out of bounds.
But the United States would not be denied. In the 67th minute, forward Paul Arriola would hit a low shot that would deflect off of Salvadorean forward William Canales and into the back of the net. The goal was Arriola’s first of the tournament.
El Salvador would try to get back into the match. But a clumsy challenge by midfielder Andres Flores in the 80th minute would limit El Salvador to ten men and end all hopes for a comeback.
The United States will join Honduras, Panama, and Mexico in New Zealand in May for the under-20 World Cup. This will be their 13th appearance in the under-20 tournament and their third consecutive appearance.
MATCH SUMMARY
United States:
Goals: Spencer (37′) and Arriola (68′)
Yellow Cards: Spencer (38′,) Arriola (73′,) and Carter-VIckers (76′,)
El Salvador:
Yellow Cards: Orellana (38′) and Merino (72′)
Red Card: Flores (80′)
