It took 50 minutes for a clear sight of goal. But when it came for the U-15 USMNT, Ruben Ramos pounced. After a Slovenia defender misjudged a long ball, the LA Galaxy academy product deftly lifted it over the goalkeeper’s head before careening away in celebration.

Ramos’ chip brought the US level with a physical Slovenia team in their Torneo delle Nazioni opener. It was perhaps a deserved equalizer over an often testy 70 minutes, one that ended with the spoils shared at 1-1.

In their first appearances in a national team jersey, the US squad took a while to settle. A few passes were overhit, and some connectivity was lacking. But they grew into the game, creating chances. Still, Slovenia opened the scoring with a tidy finish inside the box. However, the US pushed for the remainder of proceedings and were good value for the leveler.

Here are three takeaways from Monday afternoon’s contest.

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