Young MLS stars came up big on Monday for the United States U-18 national team, as they opened their Milk Cup title defence with a 2-0 defeat of Israel in their tournament opener in Ballymena, Northern Ireland.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker Omar Salgado broke a scoreless deadlock seven minutes into the second half when he headed Jose Villareal's cross into the top-left corner past Israeli goalkeeper Ron Shushan - CLICK HERE for highlights from Day 1 (Omar's goal is in the 14th minute).
In second-half time added on, it was Luis Gil's turn to add to the scoreline. The Real Salt Lake starlet - subbed in for Villareal in the 69th minute - made a long break down the right flank and centered the ball for German-born Hertha Berlin youth product Jerome Kiesewetter, who put it in for the insurance tally.
Salgado is participating in his second consecutive Milk Cup with the USA U-18s. He was replaced Monday in the 84th minute by Chicago Fire homegrown midfielder Victor Pineda.
FC Dallas Juniors duo Michael Ambrose and Boyd Okwuonu and New York Red Bulls Academy product Bryan Gallego also featured as starters on the American backline. D.C. United Academy players Jalen Robinson and Marcus Salandy-Defour were subbed in after halftime.
Mike Matkovich's American squad returns to Milk Cup action on Wednesday when they face Mexico.
