PORTSTEWART, Northern Ireland (July 23, 2004) – The U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team finished in sixth place at the 2004 Milk Cup this afternoon after losing to Northern Ireland 2-1 in Portstewart, Northern Ireland.

The U.S. jumped out to an early lead, but Northern Ireland bounced back with two goals before the 38-minute mark. Similar to the other matches the U.S. played during the Milk Cup, the U.S. created a number of chances and were the better team on the day, but couldn’t put the ball in the net to prove it.

Forward Chad Barrett found the back of the net in the seventh minute, finishing a pass from Arturo Alvarez. Barrett found space in the box and Alvarez played him a long, high ball from midfield. The UCLA product quickly turned and unleashed a blast that darted into the upper-right hand of the goal to give the U.S. and early 1-0 lead.

Northern Ireland struck back in the 22nd minute with a stunning half-volley hit the bottom of the crossbar and bounced in. The host then found the game winner in the 38th minute, converting a penalty kick awarded after U.S. goalkeeper took down a forward in the box.

The second half was somewhat uneventful, but the U.S. did get a couple of chances for an equalizer only to see their efforts go wide or be saved by the Northern Ireland goalkeeper. 
 

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

Participants: U-20 MNT vs. Wales
Competition: 2004 Milk Cup
Location: Portstewart, Northern Ireland
Date: July 23, 2004
Weather: Cool, 60 degrees

Scoring Summary:

                                        1st      2nd     Final
United States                  0         1          1
Northern Ireland              1         0          1
 
USA – Chad Barrett (Arturo Alvarez)            7th minute
NIR – n/a                                                           22nd
NIR – n/a                                                           38th


Lineups:
USA –1- Quentin Westberg; 6-Steve Purdy, 2-Patrick Phelan, 5-Karl Schilling (20-Kiel McClung, 46), 3-Tim Ward (12-Stuart Holden, 46); 15-Sasha Klejstan (19-Nico Colaluca 67), 7-Jay Denny, 8-Craig Capano (16-Will John, 67), 11-Arturo Alvarez; 13-Chad Barrett 9-Kamani Hill (10-Charlie Davies, 46)
Subs not used: 4-Mike Ordonez, 18-Justin Hughes

NIR – n/a
 
Statistical Summary:
                           USA      NIR
Shots                     7           3          
Saves                    0           4
Corners                 6           4
Fouls                    11         11
Offside                  2           0

Misconduct Summary:
NIR – n/a (caution)                            55th minute
NIR – n/a (caution)                            77th
NIR – n/a (expulsion)                        77th
NIR – n/a (caution)                            89th 


2004 Milk Cup Standings

Group 1
Team                      GP   W   L   T    GF   GA    +/-    Pts.
Brazil                       3      2    1    0     7       4       3       6
Russia                     3      2    1    0     7       6       1       6
Northern Ireland      3      1    1    1     4       4       0       4
Israel                        3      0    2    1     4       8      -4      1
 
Saturday, July 17
Russia 1, Northern Ireland 0
Brazil 2, Israel 0

Monday, July 19
Russia 4, Israel 2
Northern Ireland 2, Brazil 1

Wednesday, July 21
Brazil 4, Russia 2
Northern Ireland 2, Israel 2


Group 2
Team                    GP   W   L   T     GF    GA   +/-   Pts.
Turkey                    3      1    0    2     2       1      1      5
Denmark                3      0    0    3     3       3      0      3
USA                       3      0    0    3     3       3      0      3
Wales                    3      0    1    2     3       4     -1      2

Saturday, July 17
Turkey 2, Wales 1
USA 2, Denmark 2

Monday, July 19
Turkey 0, USA 0
Denmark 1, Wales 1

Wednesday, July 21
Turkey 0, Denmark 0
USA 1, Wales 1

Placement Mathces -- Friday, July 23

1st/2nd Place Match
Brazil 1, Turkey 0 

3rd/4th Place Match
Russia 3, Denmark 1

5th/6th Place Match
Northern Ireland 2, USA 1

7th/8th Place Match
Israel 5, Wales 0