On a clear afternoon at the McCusker Sports Complex on the campus of Lynn University, Canada fell 2-0 to USA in a men's U-20 international friendly match. USA used a late first half goal by Soony Saad and an early second half score by Jack McInerney to pick up the victory.
The two squads played an extremely tight first half. Canada had the first opportunity with Ethan Gage and Roger Thompson getting each of their shots blocked by the Red, White & Blue defence.
Holding a 3-0 shot advantage against USA, Canada’s defence let up a bit starting in the 28th minute. Saad fired off a shot from nearly 30-yards out, sending his attempt high of its mark. He would not be denied in the 33rd minute, though.
Collecting a pass from the left wing, the University of Michigan standout took one touch and ripped a shot just outside the 18-yard box past a diving Roberto Stillo and into the right side of the net.
Frustrations mounted for Canada following the goal as Sean Hart and Nicholas Lindsay were issued yellow cards before the halftime whistle was blown.
Canada came out strong after the break, but a minor lapse in the 49th minute allowed USA to pull away. Sebastien Ibeagha took in a pass from his midfield, surveyed up field from midway in his territory, and then lifted a pass over Canada’s back line. McInerney beat his man and lifted a small chip shot over Stillo, who had come out off his line to defend.
Omar Salgado had the chance to add USA’s third goal of the game off a penalty kick when Doneil Henry was called for a tackle in the box but Stillo made a diving save to his right.
Canada and USA will rematch in another men's U-20 international friendly on Saturday, December 18 at 3 p.m. local (12:00 p.m. PT) at the McCusker Sports Complex.
Both Canada and USA are currently preparing for the 2011 CONCACAF Men's Under-20 Championship in Guatemala. The championship runs 3-17 April and will qualify four teams from CONCACAF for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011.
LINEUPS
USA: Kevin Piedrahita; Ben Sweat, Sebastien Ibeagha, Eric Schoenle (Perry Kitchen, 68'), Kory Veeder; Steven Evans (Joshua Gatt, 78'), Conor Shanosky (Amobi Okugo, 78'), Dylan Mares (Alex Molano, 64'); Jack McInerney, Adrian Ruelas (Omar Salgado, 75'), Soony Saad (Joe Gyau, 78')
Canada: Roberto Stillo; Ashtone Morgan, Doneil Henry (Chris Suta, 89'), Darrick Bassi, Sean Hart, Roger Thompson (Jonathan Osorio, 61'); Jaineil Hoilett, Kevin Cobby (Matt Stinson, 68'), Ethan Gage; Niall Cousens (Jerome Baker, 75'), Nicholas Lindsay
