U-20s: Jose Villarreal, Shane O'Neill lead US to 3-1 win over Portugal in final World Cup tune-up

Jose Villarreal celebrates his goal vs. Costa Rica for the US U-20s

The US Under-20 national team will kick off a daunting World Cup campaign on a high note after topping Portugal 3-1 on Friday in their final tune-up game before the competition starts in seven days' time.


LA Galaxy starlet Jose Villarreal continued to impress for the U-20s, scoring off a direct free kick to put the US up within 10 minutes. Portugal equalized in the 27th minute, though, sending the teams into the break knotted at one goal apiece.


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The US forced the issue immediately after the restart, however, as Colorado Rapids center back Shane O'Neill connected on a set piece before Monterrey's Alonso Hernandez finished the day's scoring in the 53rd minute.


In addition to the attacking outburst, goalkeeper Cody Cropper had a fine day out, solidifying his claim on the starting spot for the tournament in Turkey with eight saves.