CARSON, Calif. – Former Real Monarchs SLC forward Sebastian Saucedo scored his second goal of the tournament as the U.S. U20 Men’s National Team took a 2-1 victory against Japan on Sunday afternoon to claim the 2016 NTC Invitational.

Japan took an early lead as Ritsu Doan took possession centrally, drove to his left into the penalty area and fired a good low finish into the right corner of the net past U.S. goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann in the fourth minute.

The U.S. responded well, and found the equalizer midway through the first half through Saucedo. After Jeremy Ebobisse gained possession inside the left side of the penalty area, he freed himself from his marker near the goal line, and cut back a good low pass to Saucedo, who shot low into the right corner to make it 1-1 at the break.

The U.S. took the lead 10 minutes into the second half when Eryk Williamson stole possession in the Japanese half, and quickly released Isaiah Young on the right side. His low cross found Ebobisse at the top of the six-yard area for a first-time finish to put the U.S. up 2-1.

Both teams had chances to add to the score, and Japan pushed forward late in hopes of securing a draw but the U.S. defense that included Bethlehem Steel FC center back Auston Trusty held firm to claim a third consecutive victory, and the NTC Invitational title.