US U-20’s edged by South Africa, but wins Group E

They lost the battle but won the group in the U-20 World Cup

Rancagua, Chile- The US Men’s Under 20 National Team played their final group stage match in the U-20 World Cup as they faced South Africa. While they were the better side, South Africa found a way to clip two goals and forced a three-way tie for first place with six points after France defeated New Caledonia six goals to nil. The USA lost two goals to one, but remained at the top of the group.

Cobb snapped some corn on that goal

The USA took the lead as they earned a free kick at the far side of the pitch and just two to three yards outside of the area. Matthew Corcoran delivered a fantastic free kick inside the area when Noah Cobb leapt for the ball and delivered a brilliant snap header in the 12th minute.

Own goal against the USA

It looked like the USA was preventing a chance for their opponents, but when South Africa got a cross delivered from the far side into the area. Unfortunately, Joshua Wynder got his head on the ball and deflected it past his keeper, Adam Beaudry, for the own goal and South Africa’s equalizer in the 17th minute.

South Africa takes the lead for good

Against the run of play, South Africa attacked the USA Area. Running down the near side was Shakeel April; he crossed it to the middle, making his trailing run was Gomolemo Kekana, who slots it home for the lead inside first half stoppage time.

USA Takes the Group on Goal Differential

While the USA was battling hard to get the equalizer, they couldn’t find the back of the net and fell after the final whistle blew, with France defeating New Caledonia six goals to nil; the advantage on Goal Differential kept the USA in the top spot at a +10. South Africa is at +5 and France is at +4. The top three teams finished with six points each.

U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team will face Italy in the Round of 16 on Thursday, October 9th at 3:30 PM

US Soccer News:

• USA Destroys New Caledonia and Beats France late in Under 20 World Cup
  Julien Hall & Aiden Stokes Called up to US Under 17 National Team
• USMNT Rebounds to Defeat Japan in Columbus

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