The U.S. U-18 Men's National Team wrapped up a successful showing at the Slovakia Cup finishing second after dropping the championship match to Russia
The U.S. U-18 Men’s National Team wrapped up a successful showing at the Slovakia Cup finishing second after dropping the championship match to Russia, 3-1, on Friday.
Out of the 23-players on the roster, six were California natives and they include goalkeeper Brady Scott (DeAnza Force; Petaluma), defenders Jonathan Esparza (Club Tijuana: Chula Vista) and Angel Uribe (Club Tijuana; San Diego), midfielder Brian Perez (Club Tijuana; San Diego), and forwards Shaft Brewer (FC Dallas; Sacramento) and Jonathan Gonzalez (FC Monterrey; Santa Rosa).
The U.S. opened up the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Hungary, a 2-1 win over Bulgaria that saw Gonzalez score the winning goal on a penalty in the 75th minute. The U.S. wrapped up group play against Slovakia. After ending 1-1, both teams went straight to penalties and the U.S. defeated Slovakia 4-3 to advance to the final. In the final, the U.S. lost to Russia 3-1.
The other teams competing in this cup were Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland and Turkey.
