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The U-20 Americans lost 2-1 to Ukraine on Friday.
The young attackers made a good start and quickly dominated possession of the ball, but were unable to create many quality opportunities. In the 26th minute, Sergiño Dest played badly a long ball over the head of the defense and Ukraine took the advantage. Serhiy Buletsa struck very well in half-volley to beat Brady Scott at the far post.
The United States would respond a few minutes later through Brandon Servania in the 32nd minute. The 20-year-old FC Dallas player scored Timothy Weah's first home goal. The goal ended a fantastic attack from the team that saw the United States accumulate 14 consecutive passes.
Despite some opportunities for the United States (including a memorable moment from Alex Mendez), the game would go to a goal at halftime.
Ukraine posted a better overall performance in the second half, while the United States weakened slightly. Ukraine hit the crossbar just two minutes after halftime. Then, in the 51st minute, Ukraine scored the winning goal on a badly defended corner.
The United States struggled to create much for much of the second half after the goal with Ukraine posting strong defensive cohesion. In the 74th minute, Mendez found himself facing a fantastic save at the far post after being found in space at 14 yards. In stoppage time, Pomykal dribbled in defense and was shot in the box, but the defender got the ball first and VAR agreed with the referee. The clock would end, the United States needing to get something against Nigeria to stay alive.
The positive points
Alex Mendez showed the star player that many (like me) believe that he can be. He tested the Ukrainian goalkeeper remotely a few times and had several cases of quality contacts in the traffic. Paxton Pomykal has legitimately seemed to be the real deal for pieces of this match. He was still dangerous and it was his contact that propelled Weah into the space that led to the goal of the opening. Overall, the United States also looked good in possession of the ball and was constantly looking to grow from behind, even if they did not create a ton of quality chances.
The negatives
The quality of Sergiño Dest during the attack is well known, but his difficulties at the other end have put the rest of the American backline in danger on too many occasions. I have expressed my concern about the level of defense on this list before the World Cup and my fears have unfortunately been realized. Too often, the US was caught on the counter as the midfielder became tense in the second half. Hopefully they can better start Monday by facing Nigeria (14h30 ET on FS1).
Touch the comments section to find out who stands out and who fought, and what you think the US needs to improve if they want to reach the knockout round.
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