2017 U-20 World Cup round-up, round of 16: USA trounces New Zealand, 6-0

The US U-20 Men's National Team breezed past its New Zealand counterpart with startling ease in the round of 16 of the 2017 U-20 World Cup.

The 6-0 thrashing was surprising because New Zealand had emerged from the same group as (ousted) tournament favorite France without embarrassment. And because the USA was limping into the round of 16 with a roster depleted by injury and suspension.

But New Zealand was simply unable to keep up with the US. Josh Sargent opened the scoring in the 32nd minute; Jeremy Ebobisse opened the floodgates in the 64th - the young Americans piled on another four goals in the last 30 minutes or so of play.

The USA advances to play Venezuela in the quarterfinals. The young Americans will not be favorites against the Group B winner, but they remain unbeaten in the tournament to date and seem to be growing in confidence and fluidity with every game. Venezuela has yet to concede a goal at this World Cup; the USA has yet to be kept off the board in a match at this tournament: both sides will like their chances of advancing to the semifinals.