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United States U20s Suffers Disappointing Defeat

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 02/18/17, 5:34PM EST

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Panama earns 1-0 victory despite playing with 10 men for 70 minutes


Photo courtesy CONCACAF

SAN JUAN, Costa Rica – The United States suffered a 1-0 defeat against a 10-man Panama in the opening game of the 2017 CONCACAF U20 Championship on Saturday afternoon at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa. The U.S. gained an early man-advantage when Panama’s Justin Simons was sent off for a dangerous challenge on New York Red Bulls midfielder Tyler Adams, which floored the 2016 USL Cup winner in the 19th minute. The Panamanians took the lead in the 37th minute, however, as a shot from the left side of the penalty area by Leando Avila looped past Jonathan Klinsmann and into the net. Former Charleston Battery loanee Jeremy Ebobisse almost leveled for the U.S. early in the second half as he struck the crossbar, while Real Salt Lake defender Justen Glad forced a good save with nine minutes to go. Ebobisse had another late chance denied, but Panama held on to take a big opening win.

Scoring:
37’ – PAN – Leandro Avila

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. The U.S. was gifted a man-advantage early on in the contest, but will be concerned it might have cost them New York Red Bulls midfielder Tyler Adams, who emerged on crutches after the halftime break having been substituted in the 31st minute. The 18-year-old had quickly ascended into the starting lineup for the U20s after joining the squad late last year, but now is a question-mark ahead of the second group game against Haiti, which now is a must-win.

  • 2. Justen Glad’s performance was arguably the best of any of the U.S. players, and he almost managed to drive to the side to find an equalizer late on. A former Real Monarchs SLC loanee at the start of his career, the Real Salt Lake Homegrown – who today was announced as having signed a new deal with the club – pushed forward admirably from the back in the final stages, and it took an excellent save by Panama’s Charles Taylor to deny the U.S. an equalizer.

  • 3. As with Canada on Friday night, losing the opening game of the tournament definitely hurts. For the U.S., however, it isn’t quite as bad – Head Coach Tab Ramos’ side in theory has easier opposition in its final two contests. After Haiti’s 5-1 victory against St. Kitts & Nevis earlier in the day, however, the U.S.’s game on Tuesday is a must-win for advancement in the tournament, and with Panama sitting with the upper hand in the group, the second stage could prove far tougher than it could have if the U.S. gets that far.

Upcoming Games:

  • United States – vs. Haiti, Tuesday, February 21, 5:30 p.m. ET

  • Panama – vs. St. Kitts & Nevis, Tuesday, February 21, 3 p.m. ET

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