Goals from Yuna McCormack and Maddie Dahlien, combined with a stifling defensive effort propelled the United States Under-20 Women’s National Team to a 2-0 win against Morocco on Wednesday.

It could’ve been much more for the U.S., which dominated for long stretches, but it was enough to secure a win at the U20 World Cup. McCormack broke the deadlock in the 47th minute, whil Dahlien added a second late in second half stoppage time.

An impressive defensive display from Morocco and goalkeeper Fatima El Jebraoui kept the United States off the score sheet in the first 45 minutes. Riley Jackson hit the crossbar in the 11th minute, and a sizzling strike from Ally Sentnor hit the right post.

El Jebraoui denied Pietra Tordin on multiple occasions as well. The first came from a nice ball from Jordyn Bugg sent the Princeton striker through on goal. Tordin turned in the box to create room, and her right-footed shot was pushed past the post by El Jebraoui.

At the break, the United States had outshot Morocco 14-2, though a goal had yet to come.

Two minutes into the second half, McCormack broke the deadlock. It came in relatively straightforward fashion; Gisele Thompson pushing high from her right back spot, with McCormack picking her out in space. After taking a couple of touches, Thompson cut it back to the UVA midfielder, who finally was able to beat El Jebraoui.

Even a goal up, Morocco’s stubborn resistance continued. More good work from Tordin created a series of chances in the 69th minute, but defender Hajar Said made a series of blocks.

The U.S. defense did the rest to secure the win, as Teagan Wy made a solid save in stoppage time to deny a late equalizer. Dahlien pounced on a turnover at the back, slotting it past El Jeebraoui to boost the U.S. goal difference.

Up next is the final group match against Paraguay on Saturday, September 7.

U.S. Lineup: Teagan Wy; Gisele Thompson, Savannah King, Jordyn Bugg, Heather Gilchrist; Claire Hutton, Yuna McCormack, Riley Jackson; Allyson Sentnor, Pietra Tordin, Emeri Adames

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