Following a first-half goal from forward Josh Sargent, the United States raided New Zealand for two quick second-half goal in an eventual 6-0 victory. The triumph seals a quarterfinals spot against the Plainsmen of Venezuela, marking the second consecutive World Cup the United States have progressed to the final-eight round.
Sargent opens the scoring
The young Stars And Stripes broke through in the thirty-second minute, scoring off a set-piece to grab the lead. On a ball inside the box, defender Justen Glad took a touch-up to himself before powering a shot on goal.
The effort deflected off Josh Sargent, who was already on his way inside the box, giving the young striker his 4th goal of the championship, tying Jozy Altidore, Eddie Johnson and Taylor Twellman for the most goals scored by an American player at a FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
US notch two rapid goals in the second half
Shortly after sustaining pressures from New Zealand to start the second-half, Portland Timbers midfielder Jeremy Ebobisse fired the United States to a two-goal lead with a classic finish to provide a little breathing room. Less than a minute after Jeremy Ebobisse's beautiful finish, Brooks Lennon got on the end of a through pass from winger Eryk Williamson before striking the far post, making the scoreline 3-0.
On another corner-kick, the RSL defender headed off a shot towards New Zealand goalie Michael Woud.
The effort bounced off Michael Woud hand and calmly dropped into the back of the net, giving the United States a comfortable 4-0 lead.
Kunga capped the victory
Seconds after being denied of an earlier goal chance, substitute Austin Trusty netted the fifth goal through a corner kick cross that found him inside the box and wasted no time to “unleashed” a left-footed finish.
Minutes before stoppage time, substitute Lagos Kunga fired past New Zealand goalkeeper Michael Woud to seal a commanding victory for the United States making it 6-0 at full time. Massively dominant in the first forty-five minutes, the young Stars and Stripes defense were “rarely” challenged as goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann made only just one vital save.
On the other end, United States was pretty active with Josh Sargent leading the offensive charge and attempting several shots on goal.
The US was more dominant in the first half
Overall, United States controlled over 60% of the ball possession in the first forty-five minutes as they persistently wreak havoc on the New Zealand defense. The second-half apparently saw the Junior All Whites gained control of the possession, with one of its clear shot going over the crossbar. However, the final United States raid sucked the life out of the Junior All Whites of New Zealand as they ultimately exited in the Round of Sixteen. With this dominant victory, United States will now face a much tougher challenge when they take on Venezuela on Sunday, June 4.
