On June 10th the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2007 after winning 1-0 against Colombia is a dra
On June 10th the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2007 after winning 1-0 against Colombia is a dramatic match.
During the first half neither team played particularly well. The U.S. lacked performance and was not creating that many opportunities. Colombia though did create more chances but couldn’t find the the finishing touch.
The California and LA Galaxy player Bradford Jamieson IV fell down in an accidental tackle and couldn’t play anymore, and had to be carried out off the field with what appeared to be a serious injury in the beginning of the first half.
In the second half Colombia started pressuring much more. Unfortunately for them, after a poor clear from the defender Juan Quintero, Rubio Rubin was able latch onto a rebound and score the first and only goal of the match in the 58th minute. This was Rubio’s second goal in the World Cup, after he scored in the 4-0 win against New Zealand.
In the last minutes of the second half, the U.S. got a moment of apprehension when American defender Kellyn Acosta committed a foul on Rodin Quinones inside the box allowing for a penalty kick for Colombia. Acosta got his second yellow card and was sent off.
This presented the perfect opportunity for Colombia to tie the game. Jarlan Barrera stepped up to take the penalty for Colombia, but U.S. goalkeeper Zack Steffen picked the right side and stopped the ball from coming in. Steffen was also key in defending a couple of very important shots.
Next the U.S. will be facing Serbia in the quarterfinals on June 14th.
