Under-20 MNT Tops CD Victoria, 3-2, in New Orleans

The Under-20 Men's National Team beat Honduras' CD Victoria on Sunday, 3-2, behind three different goalscorers. With the win, combined with yesterday's penalty kick victory, the U.S. picks up a tournament win in New Orleans.

NEW ORLEANS (Feb. 24, 2008) -- The Under-20 Men's National Team beat Honduras' CD Victoria on Sunday, 3-2, behind three different goalscorers. With the win, combined with Saturday's penalty kick victory over Honduras, the U.S. picks up a tournament win in New Orleans.

Blair Gavin opened the game's scoring with a 30th minute direct kick, giving the U.S. a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime. Just after the second-half whistle was blown, Michael Stephens played a through ball for Steven Cabas, who took one touch to get by the Victoria 'keeper and slotted the ball into the back of the net.

Victoria battled back, cutting the USA's lead in half just minutes later, finishing off a free kick with a one-time volley that beat goalkeeper Warren Gross.

The U.S. went back on top in the 69th minute, when Stephens picked up a goal of his own. Cameron Brown fired a shot that went off the right goalpost, but came right back to the forward's feet. Brown found Stephens wide open in front of the goal, and Stephens finished with a one-time shot.

Victoria picked up another goal from a set piece in the 74th minute, but couldn't find the equalizer, and the U.S. held on for the 3-2 win.

Thomas Rongen's squad will regroup in April, when it heads to Portugal for the Campos Verdes International Tournament.

U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team Match Report

Participants: USA U-20 MNT vs. Victoria
Competition: New Orleans Tournament
Location: New Orleans, La.
Date: February 24, 2008
Weather: Sunny

Scoring Summary: 
               1   2    Final
USA       1   2      3
Victoria  0   2      2


USA       Blair Gavin                                                            30th minute
USA       Steven Cabas (Michael Stephens)                   46.
Vic         #18                                                                          48.
USA       Michael Stephens (Cameron Brown)               69.
Vic         #30                                                                           74



Lineups:
USA: 1-Warren Gross, 5-John Okafor, 2-Andre Mittoo (6-Ike Opara, 74), 19-James Shupp, 20-Chris Taylor, 22-Andrew Weideman (4-Dan Kelly, 46), 13-Shawn Chin (11-Michael Stephens, 46), 16-Blair Gavin (7-Stuart Amick, 46), 17-Wilfrido Lara, 21-Ryan Thomas (15-Cameron Brown, 46), 9-Steven Cabas

Subs Not Used: 24-Austin Guerrero, 8-Richard Balchan, 10-Blake Brettschneider, 14-Daniel Cruz, 3-Greg Eckhardt, 12-Spencer Thompson

Head Coach: Thomas Rongen

Victoria: N/A

Subs Not Used: N/A

Head Coach: N/A

Statistical Summary:

USA / Victoria
Shots 11 / 8
Saves 6 / 8
Fouls 11 / 17
Corner Kicks 6 / 7
Offside 1 / 5

Misconduct Summary:
Vic      #3 (Caution)                                             22nd minute
Vic      #21 (Caution)                                          48.
Vic      #18 (Caution)                                          55.
Vic      #27 (Ejection)                                          55.
Vic       #3 (Ejection)                                           57.
USA     #11 Michael Stephens (Caution)      70.
USA     #4 Daniel Kelly (Caution)                    77.