In the start of Group B of the U-20 World Cup in Argentina, the United States defeated Ecuador 1–0 at the Bicentenario de San Juan Stadium.
Midfielder Jonathan Gomez scored the agony goal with 47 minutes remaining in the game, after a development that looked like a tie.
Action in the first half was dominated by the United States, with total possession, before Ecuador’s determination to appeal for direct play, skipping lines. So at the end of that period it was not surprising that the ownership percentage was 70 to 30 in favor of the Americans.
However, far from the myth that having the ball makes you better than your opponent, Ecuador had the clearest chances under the feet of Alan Minda and Justin Cuero.
Supplementation showed some verticalism in the United States, which took up tenure more aggressively, though insufficient to break the South American lock.
Already with the entry of Darren Yappy into the North American team, a further lull was observed as his bickering over pace and imbalance increased one by one. So it came as no surprise that the dangerous passage happened in that final stretch and when everything seemed to go for naught, American joy lay at the feet of Gomez, who took a powerful shot.
The United States will continue their participation on Tuesday against the Fiji Islands at 3:00 p.m., while Ecuador will do the same against Slovakia from 6:00 p.m.
Synthesis
United States: Gabrielle Slonina; Justin Che, Joshua Wyander, Brandon Craig and Jonathan Gomez; Jack McGlynn, Owen Wolfe and Obed Vargas; Quinn Sullivan, Diego Luna and Caleb Wiley. DT: Mickey Varas.
Ecuador: Gilmar Napa; Christian Garcia, Joel Ordóñez, Daniel de la Cruz and Macky de la Cruz; Sebastian Gonzalez, Nilson Angulo, Alan Minda and Oscar Zambrano; Ray Page; Justin Leather. DT: Miguel Angel Bravo.
Goal in the second half: 47 m. Gomez (USA).
Second Half Substitution: 20m. Darren Yappy by Quinn Sullivan (USA) & Madison Mina by Alan Minda (E), 25m. Daniel Edelman by Obed Vargas (USA), 28m. Milo Renteria & Tommy Chamba by Ray Paez & Justin Cuerro (E), 45m. Nico Sarkis by Diego Luna (USA).
Referee: Salman Ahmed Flahi (Qatar)
