US U20's in World Youth Championships

[Zeno]

This morning the US Under 20's beat Argentina Under 20's 1 - 0 in group play of the World Youth Championships in The Netherlands. They play Egypt and Germany in their other 2 group matches.

The game was on Fox Soccer Channel. It was a pretty good game and a good look to the future of US soccer, Adu, Barrett, Wynne and Ianni(sp?) all stood out. Gaven really disappointed and the US goalkeeper Westberg was not very impressive another kid named Hunter Freeman really looked out of his league, yet still never got beaten.

I think Wynne is very likely the starting right back of the US teams future, he was very impressive, strong in the air and dangerous on runs out of the back. He may shift over to centerback due to his size but I think he'd be a great right back. Spector looked good too (from Man U.) but he got hurt early and left before halftime--he'll be a regular in the national teams lineup very shortly. Barrett will be the heir to Brian McBrides role, he was big and strong and good in the air, might be a good complement to Eddie Johnson. Adu had some moments of absolute brilliance, the Argentinans had to resort to hard fouls to keep him in check...unfortunately he missed a PK.

 

[Zeno]

US drew 0 - 0 with Germany today! You have to be pleased with our youth team, beating a tough Argentine team and then drawing with Germany in a game that was practically a home match for the Germans (I guess the stadium in the Netherlands is less than an hour from the German border).

Next up is Egypt. If you get a chance watch the game on Saturday and see the future of the Nat's. These kids will be a big part of the 2010 WC team, some may even make the squad for next summer.

 

[Stout]

Great stuff! I might just get to watch the game on Saturday, too.

 

[Zeno]

US won again this morning 1 - 0. With that win and Germany's loss to Argentina the US won their group and went all three group matches without surrendering a single goal. The defense has been stellar and they've really only played with 3 backs. I worry a little about the offense because they should have managed more than 1 goal against the Egyptians today--considering Egypt was playing with 10 men for the second half and their goalkeeper was injured.

Still waiting on the other results to see who they play in the next round(on Tuesday).