Gomez Scores Late Winner for U.S. U20 MNT

by Travis Clark

May 21, 2023

The United States Under-20 Men's National Team enjoyed a strong start to this year's World Cup campaign, as a late Jonathan Gomez goal secured three points in a 1-0 win against Ecuador.

Gomez dialed up the winner two minutes into added time, just when it look like the match was set to end in a 0-0 draw. Gomez chested a cross from Owen Wolff to get past a defender, found space just outside the top of the box, and lashed home a left-footed winner past Ecuador goalkeeper Gilmar Napa.

.@jonathang_42’s stoppage time stunner 🚀

🎥 » @TelemundoSports pic.twitter.com/REOuDaw4Xf
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) May 20, 2023

Both sides had chances throughout the game. The first shot for the U.S. came in the 22nd minute off the boot of Obed Vargas. Napa was able to deflect that effort wide.

Vargas kept Ecuador off the score sheet later in the first half, clearing a shot off the line after Gaga Slonina dove to save another effort.

The opportunities weren't ample but continued to flow in the second half. Diego Luna stabbed just wide in the 59th minute, nearly capatilizing off an error by the Ecuadoran defense. Caleb Wiley had a couple of looks on goal after the interval, and the introduction of Darren Yapi opened up the attacking third a bit more for the Americans.

Just when it looked like the points would be shared, Gomez stepped up and found the back of the net. The win puts the U.S. on three points ahead of a second group game on Tuesday at 2 p.m. EST against Fiji.

U.S. Lineup: Gaga Slonina; Justin Che, Brandan Craig, Josh Wynder; Jonathan Gómez, Jack McGlynn, Obed Vargas (Daniel Edelman), Caleb Wiley; Quinn Sullivan (Darren Yapi), Diego Luna (Niko Tsakiris, 90+2), Owen Wolff