CARSON, Calif. – Former Real Monarchs SLC loanee Sebastian Saucedo was on target on Wednesday night as the United States U20 National Team took a 2-0 victory against Costa Rica on the opening day of the NTC Invitational at Glenn "Mooch" Myernick Field at the StubHub Center.

The United States took an early lead as Saucedo played a good pass to former New York Red Bulls II Academy signing Marcello Borges in the left side of the penalty area, and he centered for Jeremy Ebobisse – who competed last season in the PDL for D.C. United U23 – to put home a close range finish.

Seven minutes into the second half, Saucedo found the net himself as Ebobisse returned the favor. The current Duke forward turned his man as they fought for possession, and slipped a pass to his left for Saucedo to fire into the right corner of the net from the top of the penalty area.

Saucedo almost served up a third in stoppage time, but his shot hit the crossbar as the U.S. continued to press forward late on. Saucedo also had a shot deflected wide moments later as the U.S. remained on the front foot to close out the game.

Bethlehem Steel FC defender Auston Trusty went the full 90 minutes as the U.S. recorded a shutout, while Seattle Sounders FC 2 forward Victor Mansaray and LA Galaxy II defender Hugo Arellano also came on as substitutes late in the game.

The U.S. will face off with Panama on Saturday in the second game of the tournament. Panama drew 0-0 with Japan earlier in the day on Wednesday in its opening game of the tournament.