SAN JUAN, Argentina (Saturday, May 20, 2023) - The United States U-20 Men’s National Team began its 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup with a 1-0 win over 2019 third-place finishers Ecuador courtesy a late game-winner from Jonathan Gómez.
Real Salt Lake’s **Diego Luna** was named to the starting XI and established his presence immediately in the United States’ attack. The U.S. set the tempo of the match in the first 15 minutes, controlling possession and threatening in the attacking third. Luna was extremely active in the opening 45 minutes, pressing high and applying pressure on the Ecuadorian backline, while covering a lot of ground and showing off some individual dribbling talent on the wing. The Americans’ best chance of the first half came in the 22nd minute, but Obed Vargas was ruled offside just prior to firing a shot on net.
Vargas also came up big on the defensive end, clearing away a dangerous pass off the goal line in the 31st minute. Another opportunity for the U.S. in first-half stoppage time was ruled offside and the two teams were deadlocked heading into the break.
Ten minutes into the second half Luna flashed his skill again, making a one touch turn-and-pass to set up Caleb Wiley from short distance, but his shot was deflected and sent wide. Luna nearly opened the scoring himself four minutes later when his high press paid off, pouncing on a deflected clearance and sending a bouncing shot from outside the 18-yard box just inches wide of an empty net with the Ecuadorian keeper Gilmar Napa off his line.
In the 83rd minute Darren Yapi had a one-on-one opportunity after beating his defender, but he was denied by a charging Napa. Finally, in the 90+3rd minute, the United States capitalized on their dominant performance, scoring a game-winning goal off of Jonathan Gómez’s left-footed volley from outside the 18-yard, his shot sent sailing into the top-right corner.
Luna played for a full 90 minutes, spurring on the United States attack and showing off signs of brilliance in tight spaces. He was subbed off in the 90’ +1st, just moments before the U.S. found the game-winner.
The U-20 United States Youth National Team continue their World Cup campaign on Tuesday, May 23 at 12 pm MT against Fiji in the second match of Group B play. The game will be available on FS2, Universo, and Telemundo (see USSoccer.com for more details).
