The U.S. Under-20 men’s national team suffered defeat in its final match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup’s group stage.
Marko Mitrovic’s squad fell 2-1 to South Africa on Sunday in both nations’ final match of the group stage. Noah Cobb scored the Americans’ lone goal of the match before South Africa rallied for a halftime lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.
Cobb finished off Matthew Corcoran’s cross after 12 minutes to give the Americans a 1-0 advantage.
However, the lead wouldn’t last long as a Josh Wynder own goal leveled the match for South Africa five minutes later.
Gomolemo Kekana would propel South Africa in front three minutes before halftime, slotting home Shakeel April’s pass down the middle of the net.
South African goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe was stellar, making six saves to deny the USMNT U-20’s from finding a tying goal on multiple occasions.
Despite suffering their first loss of the tournament, the Americans won their group thanks to their +10 goal differential. South Africa finished second on six points while France finished in third place on goal difference.
The USMNT U-20’s will now turn their attention towards a Round of 16 showdown with Italy on Thursday in
