U.S. U-23 MNT Battles Netherlands to Scoreless Draw in Spain
The U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team drew Netherlands 0-0 to close out its first training camp of the 2020 Olympic cycle.
By: U.S. Soccer
SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR, Spain (March 24, 2019)—The U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team drew Netherlands 0-0 to close out its first training camp of the 2020 Olympic cycle.
The USA put together a stronger performance than in its first match, a 2-0 loss to Egypt on March 22, producing some dangerous attacking chances while dictating more of the game’s rhythm. The U.S. got off to a fast start in the early-going and as the half wore on, the U-23s strung together several nice offensive sequences.
Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Paes saved a hard-hit Keaton Parks shot after some quality build-up in the 31st minute and Antonee Robinson used a nice exchange with Djordje Mihailovic to free himself on the run towards goal in the 32nd, but his shot rolled just wide. The midfield teed up a number of solid services for center forward Josh Sargent, while Jeremy Ebobisse and Tim Weah also created danger on the wings.
The U.S. defense held strong against a slew of threatening entry passes and free kicks from the Dutch. U.S. captain Cameron Carter-Vickers anchored the back line, while Robinson and Julian Araujo threatened in the attack from their outside back spots.
The U-23s created one of their most promising opportunities off a free kick just outside the 18-yard box in the 68th minute. Mihailovic launched a great ball into the box and Ebobisse put a header on goal, but Paes dove to his left to make the stop.
Nineteen of the 23 players on the roster appeared in the match, allowing new U-23 MNT head coach Jason Kreis another opportunity to evaluate players in game action. Twenty-two of 23 players appeared in the U-23 MNT’s game against Egypt on March 22.
U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team Match Report
Match: U.S. Under-23 MNT vs. Netherlands Date: March 24, 2019 Competition: International Friendly Venue: Pinatar Arena; San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain Kick-off: 5 p.m. CET / 12 p.m. ET Weather: 60 degrees, cloudy