A 2-2 draw in a friendly against the France youth national team may be one of the best recent results for the US Olympic team. A squad of players aged 23 or younger trailed by two goals with less than 10 minutes remaining in hostile territory. However, goals from Griffin Yow and Cade Cowell ensured the United States locked up a draw in their friendly against Thierry Henry’s side.
The game had no significance, as it was a way for both sides to see how their players would fare before selecting a final group for the Olympics in Paris this summer. Yet, many of the players on the US youth national team have used this draw to communicate their intent. This squad is talented, and it can contend against arguably the best youth side in the world on the road. France’s group of players for these March friendlies featured a litany of players with goals and assists across Europe, with a major focus on Ligue 1 play. However, they went up against a team of Americans that is bearing the fruits of having top talents dotted across the globe.
France opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half. Then, Thierry Henry likely thought the game was put to bed with a goal from Andy Diouf in the 79th minute. Yet, the most impressive part of the Americans’ performance was the fact that it responded with minimal time. Griffin Yow of Belgian side Westerlo pulled the United States within one. Then, a goal from Cade Cowell that benefited from a deflection leveled the game. The pair of goals happened just three minutes apart, and it speaks volumes about the ability of this youth side.
US Olympic Team shows it can make waves in France
The United States was unfortunate to concede the penalty in the first half, and was a great finish. It would have been easy for US head coach Mark Mitrovic to pack it in and call it a day. Yet, an inspired group of young players for the United States battled back in this friendly.
It may not mean anything officially, but…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/us-olympic-team-takes-a-step-toward-greatness-with-france-draw
Author : Kyle Fansler
Publish date : 2024-03-26 21:19:45
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