The U.S. completed a perfect group stage at the U-20 World Cup, defeating Slovakia 2-0 on Friday to advance as Group B winners.
The San Jose Earthquakes provided both of the goalscorers for the USA. Cade Cowell opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a superb individual effort, while Niko Tsakiris put the game away with a goal in second-half stoppage time.
Though the U.S. controlled much of the proceedings, Gabriel Slonina was called into action on multiple occasions, and his tremendous sprawling save in the first half kept Slovakia off the board.
Slonina has not conceded a goal in three games so far at the World Cup, all of which have been wins for the U.S. As Group B winners, the U.S. will now face a third-place team on Tuesday in the round of 16.
Cowell gave Slovakia fits all game with his pace and close control, but his finishing let him down on multiple occasions. He did, however, find a telling finish in the 38th minute to give his side the lead after bypassing no fewer than four defenders.
🔥 @SJEarthquakes' CADE COWELL WITH A TERRIFIC SOLO GOAL! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/rQEg9O8XJp
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 26, 2023
Slonina then prevented Slovakia from scoring against the run of play with an outstanding diving stop.
WHAT A SAVE BY GAGA SLONINA FOR @USYNT U-20s 😤 pic.twitter.com/dHaNUy3RlA
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 26, 2023
Slovakia took more control as it pushed for an equalizer late in the game, but Tsakiris put the game away by showing real composure inside the box after a pass from Quinn Sullivan.
THE @USYNT DOUBLES ITS LEAD! 🇺🇸💪 pic.twitter.com/OTb4C7nxsy
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 26, 2023
After defeating Ecuador, Fiji and Slovakia, the U.S. will get two key reinforcements for the knockout stage: Kevin Paredes and Rokas Pukštas will join up ahead of the last 16 after their club sides agreed to release them if the U.S. advanced past the group stage.
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