SANTIAGO, Chile – March 16, 2019 – Yesterday, the U.S. U-16 and U-20 Men’s National Teams wrapped up their tour at the Prince of Wales Country Club in Santiago, Chile in their fourth game of the series. The U-16 USMNT fought hard all week and after a scoreless first half, suffered a narrow 2-1 loss to the hosts. Determined to finish strong, the U-20 USMNT recorded their third successive victory against Chile after battling defensively until the very end for a 3-2 win.

 

 

“We booked great progress in our playing style and defensive structure over last year,” added Brian Schledorn, Junior USMNT Assistant Coach.

 

“We’re looking to continuing building on the foundation we have laid in the last two years,” said Shannon Taylor, Junior USMNT Assistant Coach.

 

After a week of intense training and games, the U-16 USMNT fought a hard contest and suffered a narrow 2-1 loss to Chile.

 

The first period had momentum favoring Chile with USA's defense adapting and responding. Two breakaway attempts by Tyler Kim (Fredericksburg, Va.) and Lucas Frejenal (Indianapolis, Ind.) were unable to be completed leaving the score deadlocked at zeros at the end of the quarter.

 

In the second frame, USA reorganized and continued to try to create scoring opportunities. Colin Kirkpatrick (Annville, Pa.) dribbled up the left sideline and was able to connect with Jack Hawley (Ventura, Calif.) in the circle who took a shot that was deflected away by Chile’s goalkeeper. USA had some tense moments as Chile earned three penalty corners in the last five minutes of the first half. USA’s defensive unit, led by goalkeeper Russell Smith (Camarillo, Calif.), held strong to keep the score 0-0 heading into halftime.

 

After a scoreless first half, USA faltered when they conceded a field goal at the 35th minute mark. Chile increased their press and was rewarded with three penalty corners in the last two minutes of the frame. Los Varones converted on the final chance to bring the score to 2-0 at the end of the third quarter.

 

Trailing by two goals at the start of the fourth, a determined USA side cut the lead in half when Namit Mangat (Glendale, Ariz.) tucked the ball into the back of the net on a penalty corner conversion. The remainder of the game was hard-fought by both sides but in the end it was Chile who prevailed 2-1.

 

 

The U-20 USMNT recorded their third victory against Chile in the final of the four-game series. Coming into the final match, both the host nation and USA were determined to finish strong. The opening frame saw both teams playing with discipline and structure. This posed challenges for both sides as neither team was able to capitalize on scoring opportunities as the quarter finished 0-0.

 

Alex Curtis (London, United Kingdom) opened the scoring for the USA in the second quarter with a solid drag flick off a penalty corner. Momentum remained with USA, and it was just a matter of time before the red, white and blue broke through again to extend the lead to 2-0. The second goal came from a scuffle in front of the goal where Curtis was able to quickly flick it past the Chile’s goalkeeper’s feet.

 

Chile made a dominating start to the third quarter. Two minutes into the second half, an attack on goal by the hosts earned a penalty corner in which they scored to tally one back making it a 2-1 contest. USA looked to reorganize but Chile’s frantic attempts to penetrate the circle led to another penalty corner conversion to level the score, 2-2.

 

The fourth quarter opened with both teams attacking with equal ferocity. USA’s defense was focused and concentrated while the offense repeatedly punched into Chile’s defensive end. USA goalkeeper Phil Schofield (Moorpark, Calif.) saved a penalty corner shot by Chile and USA held their nerves to come up with their own penalty corner after a Chile infraction in the circle. USA’s Christian De Angelis (Doylestown, Pa.) was able to follow up on the initial saved shot with a rebound back into the goal making the score 3-2 in favor of USA.

 

The remaining time after the go-ahead goal was a tightly contested in a high-intensity battle with Chile rifling off shot after shot attempting to get in the circle. For all their press, Chile could not score. In the end it was USA’s tenacious defending that led them to claim the victory.

Up next for the Junior USMNT will be the California Cup in Moorpark, Calif. May 23-27.