Both the U.S. U-20 and U-17 national teams suffered embarrassing losses to their hosts at international tournaments.
Thomas Rongen‘s U-20s fell to South Korea, 5-0, in the opening game of the Busan Four Nations International Tournament. The U-20s, who were clearly affected by the late summer humidity in steamy port city of Busan, then lost to Slovakia, 1-0, on a goal in the 87th minute before recovering to beat Argentina, 3-1. The Americans finished last on goal difference.
Argentina outshot the USA, 26-8, but the Americans jumped out to a 3-0 lead after 48 minutes on goals by MLS rookies Josmer Altidore (New York Red Bulls), Dax McCarty (FC Dallas) and Miguel Gonzalez (New England Revolution). Ten of the 11 U.S. starters were professionals. Real Salt Lake’s Nik Besagno was sent off after receiving his second yellow card (delay of game) a minute after Gonzalez’s goal on a 25-yard free kick. Argentina’s Pablo Mouche followed him to the showers in the 82nd minute.
John Hackworth‘s U-17s lost to England, 6-0, at the FA Under-17 Friendly International Tournament. Rhys Murphy led the English with two goals. Arsenal teammates Henri Lansbury and Moses Barnett and Chelsea’s Seth Ofori-Tumasi and Michael Woods also scored.
In their opening game in England, the USA had to settle for a 1-1 tie with Portugal when it conceded the equalizer in stoppage time. Axel Levry had given the Americans an early lead. The USA came from behind with goals from defenders Sheanon Williams (on a spectacular bicycle kick) and Howard Turk to tie Turkey, 2-2, in its final game and finish third in the four-team tournament.
Next up for the Americans are the Nike National Team Friendlies against Brazil, Portugal and Mexico in Oregon Sept. 7-10. These are the U-17s’ first international tournaments since the fall semester of residency opened.
(Click here for lineups of all the U.S. games in South Korea and England.)