Heading into the 2019 World Cup in Poland, some considered the squad head coach Tab Ramos assembled “one of the best U-20 teams we have seen in a while.”
With a talented pool from players who had MLS experience to those who took their talents across Europe, this was supposed to be a glimpse of what U.S. could become. However, the U-20 suffered a 2-1 defeat Friday at the feet of Ukraine in a Group D matchup at Bielsko Biala.
The U.S. dominated the possession game against Ukraine, controlling the ball at around 67 percent. Ultimately, the Ukrainians were able to capitalize on the American’s mistakes, which led them to an opening match victory.