MLS youngsters Luis Gil and Victor Pineda teamed up for the Americans' lone goal as the US Under-18s drew with the Netherlands 1-1 on Wednesday in their first match of the Lisbon Annual Tournament in Portugal.
The Dutch dominated the early stage of the game, but Mike Matkovich's club tallied first. Chicago Fire Home Grown midfielder Pineda finished a counterattack initiated by Real Salt Lake's Gil in the 37th minute.
Despite controlling possession, Netherlands coach Kees Zwamborn brought on Cas Peters, Rashid Browne and Chris David at halftime. The moves paid dividends as Peters, a member of FC Twente's youth side, equalized seven minutes after the break.
Sporting Kansas City product Jon Kempin went the full 90 in goal for the Americans. The US face Portugal on Thursday and finish up against Finland two days later.
Lineups:
United States -- Jon Kempin, Bryan Gallego, Juan Ocegueda, Boyd Okwuonu, Walker Zimmerman, William Packwood (Villyan Bijev, 87), Luis Gil, Victor Pineda (Daniel Metzger, 72), Alex Shinsky (Michael Ambrose, 35), Luis Rendon (Will Trap, 62), Jack Coleman (Jonathan Top, 62)
Netherlands -- Stefan van der Lei, Jordy Deelen, Joey Pelupessy (Lucas Bijker, 63), Fabian Sporkslede, Mitchell Djicks, Robert Klaassen, Torell Ondaan, Yoell van Nieff (Cas Peters, 45), Kevin Luckassen (Rashid Browne, 45), Elroy Pappot (Jesper Drost, 63), Fernando Lewis (Chris David, 45)
