USA was in action on Sunday at 5am ET against Saudi Arabia in a match with huge knockout stage implications. With a win or draw USA would advance to the Round of 16, so the young Yanks entered the match with everything to play for.
The U.S. started the match on the front foot, controlling possession and creating opportunities to score around Saudi Arabia’s goal. USA’s positive start was capped with a goal in the 40th minute after the Saudi goalkeeper parried Luca de la Torre’s point-blank strike into the path of Brooks Lennon, which the winger swiftly finished into the back of the net. USA striker and leading goal scorer in the tournament Josh Sargent was in on the action once again as it was his square pass that found de la Torre open in the box.
A strong first half from the Americans was dwindled by the sending off of center back Cameron Carter-Vickers. Carter-Vickers was shown a yellow card for minimal contact on a Saudi player shortly after USA’s goal. Then, just before the stroke of half-time, Carter-Vickers received an equally questionable yellow card from referee Diego Haro following a 50/50 aerial challenge. Carter-Vickers was sent off and the U.S. were forced to play with 10 men for the remainder of the match.
Costly cards were somewhat of a storyline for the Americans as right back Aaron Herrera and midfielder Derrick Jones were also shown first half cautions. The pair will be suspended for USA’s Round of 16 match due to yellow card accumulation.
With both Carter-Vickers and Herrera suspended for the U.S. next round, Orlando City SC defender Tommy Redding may be called upon by Head Coach Tab Ramos to fill the void in defense.
10-man USA was sturdy and organized defensively in the second half. The Americans did everything they could to keep a skilled Saudi team out of their net, but eventually surrendered the equalizer from a corner kick in 74th minute. The strong USA defense held the Saudis at bay for the final 15 minutes and guaranteed the team’s advancement into the knockout round.
Final score: USA 1 – Saudi Arabia 1
USA finishes first in Group F and will take on New Zealand in the Round of 16 on Thursday, June 1st. The match will be broadcasted on FS1 at 7 a.m. ET. USA beat New Zealand 4-0 the last time these two sides met in the group stage of the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
USA starting lineup: (4-3-3)
1-Jonathan Klinsmann (GK); 3-Danny Acosta, 5-Erik Palmer-Brown (captain), 16-Cameron Carter-Vickers, 14-Aaron Herrera; 20-Luca de la Torre (7-Eryk Williamson, 89th min), 18-Derrick Jones, 8-Tyler Adams; 11-Sebastain Saucedo (6-Justen Glad, 46th min), 19-Josh Sargent (9-Emmanuel Sabbi, 70th min), 17-Brooks Lennon
Subs not used:
2-Auston Trusty, 4-Tommy Redding, 12-James Marcinkowski, 13-Lagos Kunga, 15-Jeremy Ebobisse, 21-Brady Scott
Head coach: Tab Ramos
Stats summary: USA/Saudi Arabia
Goals: 1/1
Shots on goal: 2/5
Saves: 4/1
Corner kicks: 4/5
Offside: 0/0
Fouls committed: 14/18
Yellow cards: 4/4
Red cards: 1/0
Ussoccer.com Man of the Match: Tyler Adams
