Right from the moment US U-17 sensation Josh Sargent was unveiled as a member of the United States Under-20s World Cup squad, his surprise inclusion to the team raised too many questions. But after Monday's opener, his doubters eventually became his confiders after scoring twice in his World Cup debut against Ecuador.
Sargent sojourns to the U-20 World Cup
Josh Sargent proved himself in a big-way on Monday morning, scoring two times against a resilient Ecuador team. After giving up two early quick goals, it was Josh Sargent, the youngest player on the United States roster, that responded.
His two goals led the US to a “come from behind” draw in the first half and eventually made him the youngest player ever to score a goal for the United States at the Under-20 world level.
Apparently, Josh Sargent's name has been on the headlines throughout the United States for some time, although, it was at the CONCACAF Under-17 championship that initially propelled him into the early spotlight. The striker “racked-up” a whopping five-goals and two goal assists in the US Under-17s run to the final and guided them to a World Cup spot this October. In total, Josh Sargent has amassed nineteen goals and nine-assists through thirty-four games during the current US Under-17 cycle.
Sargent proving his worth
Most times, the Under-17 games seem to be too easy, especially in the qualifying series, as Sargent was physically “dominant” over his opponents. For the past months, US Under-20 head coach Tab Ramos kept his eye on the youngster. The Under-20s struggled to notch a goal throughout their own qualifiers as the attacking role became a sort of concern and “focal point” for the team heading into the Mondial.
Briefly after securing a spot in the U-17 World Cup with a victory over Cuba, US U-17s head coach John Hackworth immediately pulled Josh Sargent aside, and letting him know he was clearly bound for South Korea with the United States Under-20 team. Unarguably, that future started-off well in good fashion. It approximately took less than a half for Josh Sargent to prove his worth.
Striking two times to erase an early-goal deficit. Sure, there is still a long-road ahead, but the early impression showed that the young forward is indeed ready for the tasks ahead.
Looking ahead
The young Stars and Stripes return to play this Thursday against Group F leaders Senegal, and Josh Sargent will certainly make the starting XI lineup. Monday's game clearly showed that his style of play is quite “refined” than anyone could ever imagine. His physical adeptness are all there despite his age. Evidently, the US Under-20 Men's National Team appeared to have found their marksman in Josh Sargent to push them through the hurdles in the group stage and possibly beyond.
