With a combination of skill and muscle, the U.S. Men’s Under-20 national team dominated host Trinidad & Tobago 6-1 Aug. 9 in the team’s final match of CONCACAF U-20 qualifying. The win advances the United States to its seventh appearance in the FIFA World Youth Championship, which is scheduled to be contested April 3-24, 1999 in Nigeria. “I’m very proud of what we have accomplished here today,” said U.S. Head Coach Sigi Schmid. “We showed that we were focused and ready to play once again. We made good use of our offensive chances, and at the other end our defense gave us another excellent effort.” Trinidad’s seasonal rainshowers arrived shortly after kickoff, but it didn’t dampen the USA’s potent attack, which put up 12 goals (from six different players) in the four-team, round-robin competition. The match bore strong resemblance to the victory over Canada two nights ago, as both Chris Albright and Nick Garcia each scored a pair of goals to once again lead the team. Albright took his first with a header after just three minutes, redirecting Steve Cherundolo’s perfectly placed free-kick from the right side. Garcia doubled the lead in the 21st minute on a sensational solo effort. He was in good position to receive a poor Trinidad clearance, and his booming full-volley from 30 yards tucked neatly into the right corner, past T&T ‘keeper Ryan Edwards. As the U.S. continued its typical high-intensity attack, the Trinidadians struggled to find the answers, and on 38 minutes midfielder Matt Goldsmith notched his first goal of the tournament. After a change in possession, Goldsmith received a short pass from Garcia before hammering a right-footer in heavy traffic that glanced off a defender’s leg and into the goal. The match was never in doubt, but the Americans played a full 90 minutes of inspired, attacking soccer. Both Albright and Garcia were rewarded for their efforts with goals in the 41st and 59th minutes, respectively. Albright’s strike came from Jamar Beasley, while Garcia made a 35-yard sprint towards goal before hammering his second tally past Edwards from 15 yards. Nino DaSilva rounded out the U.S. scoring on 77 minutes with a neat flick with the outside of his right foot. U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard made three saves in the match but was largely untested, thanks in large part to the defensive trio of Cherundolo, Carlos Bocanegra and Dan Califf. The U.S. defense stymied the Trinidadians in the first half, allowing just one shot on goal. Despite the team’s brilliant effort all around, the home side knocked in a consolation goal with four minutes to play. Trinidadian forward Cornell Glen found the target, and then found the bench three minutes later after picking up his second yellow card in the match. In the day’s other match, Costa Rica edged Canada 1-0 to grab the other berth at the World Youth Championship. The U.S. Under-20 delegation will return to the States tomorrow, with the players joining their professional and college teams immediately. Due to the collegiate soccer season, the squad is not expected to gather again until January. when it will begin intensive preparations for Nigeria ’99. Aug. 9 in Port of Spain, Trinidad Trinidad & Tobago 1 USA 6. Goals: Glen 86; Albright 3, 41, Garcia 21, 59, Goldsmith 38, DaSilva 77. Trinidad & Tobago — Edwards (George, 61), Thompson, Adams, Harris, Cooper, David, Glen, Sobers (McKenna, 46), Rique, Nelson, Legerton. USA — Howard, Cherundolo, Califf, Bocanegra, Garcia, Pierce, Gibbs, Goldsmith (Downing, 46), Futagaki (Norkus, 70), Albright, Beasley (DaSilva, 58). Yellow cards: Trinidad & Tobago — Glen 2, Thompson 8. Red card: Trinidad & Tobago — Glen 90. Referee: Ronald Gutierrez (Costa Rica). Att.: 200.
Final Standings
| TEAM | GP | W | T | L | GF | GA | P |
| *USA | `3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 7 |
| *Costa Rica | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 7 |
| Canada | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 3 |
| Trin. & Tobago | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 14 | 0 |