Check out the full schedule, results and standings for the CONCACAF U-20 Championship.
The United States Under-20 national team stumbled to their second frustrating result in as many games at the CONCACAF Championship in Jamaica on Sunday, humbled by a 1-0 loss to Panama.
Midfielder Carlos Small scored in the 79th minute for Panama, who are unbeaten thus far in the tournament (2-0-0) and sit atop Group A. The goal was the first the US ever conceded against Panama in four CONCACAF Under-20 games all-time.
Widely expected to survive CONCACAF qualifying and reach the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand June, the Americans are now winless in their first two games of the regional tournament (0-1-1). They gave up a stunning late goal to FC Dallas academy product Andy Ruiz in a 1-1 draw against Guatemala in their opener on Friday, a result that looked entirely enviable by comparison after the final whistle on Sunday.
The Americans certainly aren’t done – three games remain in Group A, beginning with a favorable match against lowly Aruba on Wednesday (5:30 pm ET; FOX Sports 2) – but head coach Tab Ramos’ side will need to solve their scoring woes quick in order to stay alive.
The US outshot Panama 10-8 on Sunday but never found the final touch, and struggled to generate a wealth of genuine scoring chances. They also lost Borussia Dortmund prospect Junior Flores to an apparent ankle injury early in the second half.
FC Dallas midfielder Kellyn Acosta once again served as captain and was one of three Major League Soccer players on the U-20 roster who earned the start, along with defender Matt Miazga (New York Red Bulls) and forward Tommy Thompson (San Jose Earthquakes).
Miazga had perhaps the best real scoring chance of the day for the Americans, but his header in the early going was cleared off the goal line.
LA Galaxy forward Bradford Jamieson IV came off the bench in the 52nd minute for the injured Flores, while Orlando City defender Tyler Turner went as unused sub. Columbus Crew SC forward Romain Gall did not make the gameday roster.
Prior to Sunday’s result, the US were 3-0-0 against Panama all-time at the Under-20 level, outscoring their Central American foes 9-0.
