The U.S. Under-20 Men's National Team were able to overcome a horrendous start and a goalkeeping blunder to secure a 3-3 draw against Ecuador in its World Cup opener.
Midfielder Luca de la Torre capped off a man of the match performance with a volleyed equalizer in stoppage time, as the U.S. erased a 2-0 deficit early on.
It was a wild, inconsistent 90-minute performance featuring moments of magic and madness for the U20s. The U.S. back line was unable to handle the pace and physicality in the game's opening moments, and faced a quick two-goal deficit. Herlin Lino scored five minutes, while Bryan Cabezas tacked one on two minutes later to provide the early lead.
U.S. Under-17 forward Josh Sargent, playing up with the U20s, scored on either side of the half to tie the game. The 36th minute opener came thanks in part to a tremendous run from de la Torre, as he slalomed through the Ecuadorian defense, opening space up for Sargent. The forward's errant touch almost cost him a chance, but the St. Louis Scott Gallagher product did enough to lash home the opener.
A strong start to the second half was rewarded with Sargent's second. Brooks Lennon was the architect this time, his curling effort finding Sargent, who beat the Ecuadorian goalkeeper with a powerful header.
Goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann nearly cost the USA any chance at a point, when he gifted Cabezas a second in the 64th minute. He stumbled over a back pass from Herrera, sending a ball right to Cabezas at the top of the box, who put Ecuador back in front.
De la Torre saved the day in the 94th minute, snatching a point with a last-gasp goal. Here are three quick thoughts from the match.
