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The U-20 USMNT U-20 is advancing to the knockout rounds of the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup after winning Group F with five points - going undefeated against Ecuador, Senegal and Saudi Arabia in the process.
For the first time since 2007, the USMNT U-20 squad has won their World Cup group, thanks to a 1-1 result against the Saudi Arabia U-20 team. Among the key contributors for the team in the game was, once again, Red Bulls wonder-teen Tyler Adams, who started and played the full 90 minutes for Tab Ramos' squad.
We're starting Sunday funday a little early today. Meet your U-20 #USMNT Starting XI vs. !
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@ussoccer_ynt) May 28, 2017
What's at stake: https://t.co/JpiQ5KiEpV pic.twitter.com/siYXZXMBIC
Making his third straight start in the tournament, Adams held down the fort at defensive midfield throughout the game, a task that became doubly hard when Cameron Carter-Vickers was sent off with a red card at the end of the first half, shortly after the USA had taken the lead.
GOOOOOOOAAAAAL! ⚽️@brookslennon taps in a @delatorreluca rebound to give the U-20 #USMNT a 1-0 lead in the 41st minute! pic.twitter.com/2k1lhpeKFf
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@ussoccer_ynt) May 28, 2017
45' — @cameroncv2 is shown his second yellow card. The U-20 #USMNT will play a man down. No further comment .
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@ussoccer_ynt) May 28, 2017
Despite giving up an equalizing goal in the final 20 minutes, the USMNT held their ground long enough to preserve the draw and win the group.
74' — Saudi Arabia equalizes on Abdulelah Al-Amri's header off a corner kick.
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@ussoccer_ynt) May 28, 2017
1- 1
Boom! The U-20 #USMNT are Group F winners!
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@ussoccer_ynt) May 28, 2017
is onto the #U20WC Round of 16 after playing a man down for 45+ minutes. pic.twitter.com/S7uzkw7e7x
The USMNT will play against Group E runner-ups New Zealand on Thursday, June 1st.
Regardless of how the tournament ends for the USMNT, this tournament has caused Adam's stock at both the club and international level to rise immensely. Who knows? If Adams contirnues to shine like this, Bruce Arena may even drop Tab Ramos a line and see if he's ready to play with the big boys in the Stars & Stripes..