All systems go for the U.S.U20 Mens National Team

nice crowd for the U20 vs FCD Reserve

For all intents and purposes, FC Dallas took one for the team sort of speak. Players flying in from all parts of the world is not an ideal situation to go against a National Team chomping at the bits. FC Dallas came out hard in the first 10 minutes. Bryan Leyva pushed the attack early on. FC Dallas didn't back off in the physicality department either as they were in no mood to be the National team's road kill. After the first 20 minutes, The class of the U20's took over and the run of play was mostly in the FC Dallas end. The first US goal was a build up from a slashing run by Joe Gyau. Joe sent a shot toward the goal. Conor Doyle flashed across the near post with a deft touch sent the ball pass the goalie across the goal mouth for an easy finish by Bobby Wood. The 2nd U.S. goal once again involved Joe Gyau. His pace was unmatched as this time he streaks down the right hand side and easily waltz into the top of the six. Sebastian Lletget made a timely run from his holding mid position into box. Gyau sends the through ball and with one fake stutter to receive the ball, he left the FC Dallas backline behind for a clinical finish. The size, speed and skill of the U20's were overwhelming for the rest of the half. The second half brought on whole sale changes from both sides. A pretty uneventful 25 minutes from both side. Newly signed FC Dallas Fabian Castillo made his debut and gave some glimpses to his raw potential. Once again Bryan Leyva was involved as FC Dallas kept the run of play in the U.S. end with some breakaways and counters. Eventually the the U.S. 2nd team caught FC Dallas on a counter with the 3 goal coming from Kelyn Rowe. The game ended with no serious injury on both sides. FC Dallas did their job as a sparing partner before the big fight.

First Impressions:

• Bobby Wood is physically rock solid with all the tools. He is the real deal.

• Joseph Gyau is a different player from the last time I saw him. He maybe the best player on the team

• Sebastian Lletget looks fit and showed he can play the role as a holding mid without sacrificing his attacking instincts

• Kelyn Rowe is forcing his way onto the starting XI. He just keeps doing the right things. He is able to play at the level of the U20 Professional.

Starting XI

FC Dallas – Josh Lambo (Chris Seitz 46), Michael Ambrose, Brek Shea, Omar Jarun, Jack Coleman, Victor Ulloa, Bruno Guarda (Bobby Warshaw 46), Bryan Leyva, Andrew Wiedeman (Boyd Okwuonu 65), Peri Marosevic (Fabian Castillo 46, Daniel Garcia 68), Jonathan Top.

U.S. Under-20 National Team - Zac MacMath (Cody Cropper 46), Zarek Valentin, Gale Agbossoumonde, Perry Kitchen, Greg Garza, Sebastian Lletget, Amobi Okugo, Kelyn Rowe, Joe Gyau, Bobby Wood, Conor Doyle.

Goal Scorers:

Bobby Wood

Sebastian Lletget

Kelyn Rowe