On Thursday morning, the United States will face off against Senegal in the U-20 World Cup in South Korea. The U.S team finished their first match on Monday with one point in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Ecuador. The team will now look to gain some momentum as they take on Senegal, who won their first game of the tournament against Saudi Arabia 2-0.
The U.S team features nine MLS players, including Orlando City central defender Tommy Redding. They currently sit in second place in the table, which would earn them a ticket to the Round of 16. In the U-20 tournament, the top two teams from each group will move on, as well as the four best third place teams from across the groups.
The U.S showed determination in their draw against Ecuador. After going down 2-0 early in the match, Joshua Sargent scored back-to-back goals to equalize the score. In doing so, Sargent become the youngest U.S player to score in the U-20 tournament, a record that was previously held by Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore.
Ecuador found another goal in the 64th minute, leaving the U.S in a tricky spot. But Luca De La Torre saved the day, finding the back of the net in stoppage time to earn a point for the United States in their first match of the tournament. After some rest and adjustment to the time difference, the U.S is likely to look fresher in their second match.
Senegal found both of their goals early against Saudi Arabia. The first goal was scored in the 13th minute by Ibrahima Niane. Cavin Diagne quickly followed up with a goal of his own two minutes later.
It’s sure to be an exciting matchup. Both teams have strong rosters, and top goalscorers with the potential to thrill. The match will air on Fox Sports 1 and Telemundo at 7:00am on Thursday morning.
