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Acosta, Craft on Target in U.S. U20s’ Victory

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 07/02/16, 8:41AM EDT

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United States takes second win at NTC Invitational, defeats Panama 4-0


Photo courtesy Steven Christy / OKC Energy FC

CARSON, Calif. – Real Monarchs SLC’s Danilo Acosta and OKC Energy FC loanee Coy Craft both scored as the United States U20 Men’s National Team took a 4-0 win against Panama in its second game of the NTC Invitational. The win was the U.S. U20s second in as many games at the event, with the side set to face Japan on Sunday to conclude the event.

Former Monarchs’ loanee Sebastian Saucedo helped the U.S. take the lead late in the first half as his slipped pass found Luca De La Torre breaking through the Panama back line. De La Torre’s spinning move sent the ball to Isaiah Young on the left side of the penalty area, and he finished into the right corner for the opening goal in the 42nd minute.

The U.S. then took control of the game early in the second half, as off a half-cleared cross by Young the ball came to Acosta, who controlled 25 yards from goal and fired a shot into the left corner of the net with a fine finish in the 56th minute. A minute later, Young was in the middle of the action again, as the rebound of his parried shot was knocked home by Jeremy Ebobisse to make it 3-0.

Craft, who has scored twice for Energy FC this season on loan from FC Dallas, wrapped up the scoring for the U.S. with eight minutes to go, as he was on hand to put home a close-range finish from Brandon Vasquez as the hosts split open the Panama defense.

The U.S. will conclude the tournament on Sunday evening against Japan, which took a 3-0 win against Costa Rica earlier in the day.  Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET, and the game will be available live on the U.S. Soccer YouTube channel.