The United States is out of the U-20 World Cup after a 2-0 loss to Uruguay on Sunday, ending a remarkable run to the semifinals. The South American side were short-handed after the suspension of Luciano Rodriguez but that would not stop them from breaking the United States defense for the first time in the tournament in the 21st minute. A United States defense that had gone 360 minutes without conceding a goal looked out of their depth, allowing Anderson Durate to slide in behind to put Uruguay ahead 21 minutes in.
Head coach Mickey Varas tried to quell the attack after half time bringing on Kevin Paredes for Owen Wolff but it was not enough as Uruguay would double their lead in the 56th minute, the this time after an own goal from defender Joshua Wynder. The win sees Uruguay and Israel square off for a place in the World Cup final while the road ends for the United States after a successful World Cup that ends in disappointment.
For the Baby Yanks, Uruguay was their toughest test of the tournament so far and it’s disappointing to see them outplayed during the game, but the team can’t hanging their heads after advancing to this point with key players like Paxten Aaronson not in. the team because of club commitments.
Instead of thinking about what could have been, it is important to focus on the good of the competition which saw the defensive gel, Cade Cowell, Elijah Wynder and Daniel Edelman all record breakthrough performances that could move earn them a summer and much more. It’s always sad to see a run at the World Cup come to an end but this is a far-fetched story with a generation of players who can make a lot of noise moving forward.
Each member of this team has a bright future ahead of them. Some make the upcoming Gold Cup roster for the senior national team, others end up at the 2024 Olympics for which they qualified as part of winning the Concacaf U-20 Men’s Championship, but for everyone, it’s about what they make of this loss. Using it as fuel to not be in this situation again will ensure that everyone improves as there is plenty of talent and space for them to play, both at their clubs and with the senior national team.
