The United States Men’s Under-20 National Team began their quest for the 2015 U-20 World Cup New Zealand today with the opening of CONCACAF qualifying in Jamaica. The qualifying tournament doubles as the CONCACAF Championship. The team opened play in Group A with a disappointing 1-1 draw with Guatemala. Guatemala finished fourth in Central American qualifying and was not expected to be a major threat to the Americans.
The U.S. controlled possession for most of the game but created relatively few chances as the midfield, especially Junior Flores, struggled to link the defense to the forwards. The first thirty minutes were particularly dominant for the Americans as their high pressure gave Guatemala fits. San Jose Earthquakes Tommy Thompson and Columbus Crew midfielder Romain Gall were the most active during this time period and created several chances.
Flores was subbed off at halftime, with Fulham midfielder Emerson Hyndman replacing him and making an immediate impact. The breakthrough came on a 59th minute corner kick by Hyndman, which found the head of Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers. Carter-Vickers outjumped the Guatemalan defender and headed the ball back across the goal and into the far corner for the goal. Guatemala began pressing more but still rarely troubled U.S. goalkeeper Zack Steffen.
The Americans continued to dominate the match until a 90th minute volley from Andy Ruiz, a product of the FC Dallas Academy. The goal came after a Guatemala corner kick was headed out from the penalty area but went right to Ruiz, whose rocket to upper left corner left Steffen with no chance to stop it. The U.S. plays Panama on Sunday and will definitely need to improve their finishing or it could be a struggle. Given the unique format of this tournament, the Americans still have every chance to qualify for the World Cup.