USA U20

U-20's Advance To Semi-Final

The U-20 National Team gutted out a hot and humid night in Japan to defeat the North Korean side in the quarterfinal matchup.  By a 2-1 scoreline, in overtime, the US showed resolve despite conceding a tying goal in the second half that was a stunning breakdown in penalty area defending.  VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS HERE.  All's well that ends well, of course, and it was great to see two players not named Maya Hayes score, which will boost the team's confidence in the group's ability to create goals...and it might relieve the pressure Hayes feels to put the team on her back.



As soccer players are wont to do, Chi Ubogagu came off the bench and made a fool of me.  Though, to be fair, my comments were not totally out of bounds- she did not start as she had against Germany in the 3-0 thrashing in the final game of the group stage.  All credit to the young woman for rallying from a poor performance and demotion to the bench.  She came on, put herself about in the waning minutes of the match, scored the game-winner (where her fresh legs clearly gave her the advantage on getting to a cross hit too hard...her marker simply could not make the same adjustment on the play) and pressed the North Koreans effectively.

So I cheerfully chomp a little crow...

Nigeria, Take Note

The North Korean's work rate caused the US problems, especially early on (before the heat and humidity wore down the ability to press) and the Americans did not handle it well.  In the semi, if Nigeria, who are a fast and organized team, if not a bit naive, can press and cause turnovers, they'll have a good chance.  So the US must be prepared to pass more precisely, more than anything, and use ball movement to wear down and break the pressure.

Another area of grave concern is Bryane Heaberlin in the goal.  Despite making one monster 1v.1 save late in the game, two parts of her play are far weaker than a senior-level, international GK ever should be.  The first is her feet...when passed back to, twice, in the overtime periods, her clearances were short, wobbly and inaccurate.  She simply is not comfortable with the ball at her feet (why the backs would drop it to her is a mystery...surely they are aware of this) and again, good pressing from Nigeria, forcing the US to play her feet, could lead to scoring chances.

On set pieces, she has proven over the last two games to be ineffective when dealing with high services into the six yard area.  Stunningly, despite having many chances to serve set pieces into the US penalty area, the North Koreans hit the penalty spot more than the six, and let her off the hook.  The one ball played deep into the six on a corner in the first half handcuffed Heaberlin badly, and her defenders had to scramble to get the ball cleared.  Nigeria ought to bring considerably more size to the semi-final, and would do very well to put people around Heaberlin and effectively serve the ball right to her.

The Next Match

The Nigerians are the weakest and least-traditional power in the final four: Japan, Germany and the US all have better pedigrees, but they'll still warrant respect.  Japan hung three on the South Koreans;  Germany smashed another traditional power, Norway, 4-0; and the Nigerians slipped by Mexico 1-0.  Germany has the offense running well with 7 goals in their last two games, with none conceded.  The US will be pleased to avoid them one more game.

It's tough to root against a team with players named Charity, Blessing and Winifred, but letting those graceful monikers fool is unwise.  Francisca Ordega will test the US back line, and it is worth recalling that Nigeria (the Falconets) were U-20 finalists in Germany only two years ago.  3AM September 4th (Tuesday) we'll see who's to become half of this year's finalists.  Watch on ESPN3.com and ESPNU.