KAYSERI, Turkey – Oscar Sorto wore disappointment all over his face in the aftermatch of the US Under-20 national team's World Cup ouster against Ghana on Thursday, but the youngster was still in a grateful mood.
The LA Galaxy academy Homegrown product made his first tourney start in the 4-1 loss, setting up the lone US goal with a pinpoint cross to Shane O'Neill.
READ: Colorado Rapids' Shane O'Neill provides the bright spot in loss to Ghana
Sorto nearly didn't make it to Turkey after injuring his foot in mid-May, but recovered in time to take yet another step forward in his young career.
"For me especially, it was the biggest experience," Sorto said. "Two months ago, I didn't know if I was going to come here because of my injury. I just want to thank Tab [Ramos] and all the coaches for giving me a second chance."
Though the U-20 squad was unable to log a victory in the tournament's dreaded Group of Death, Sorto said it certainly wasn't because of a lack of effort.
"Everyone is a good player," he said. "No one gave up for 90 minutes. Unfortunately, we couldn't make it to the second round."
READ: US coach Tab Ramos says on exit, "We competed, but it just wasn't enough"
As for the loss that sent them home on Thursday, the youngster was so dejected afterwards he barely spoke above a whisper while both accepting blame for his team and crediting the victors.
"[The players at the back] made some mistakes and up top we didn't take our chances," conceded Sorto. "[Ghana] countered us well. It was a good team. It was a hard game."
