The United States Under-20’s put forth a confident and dominant display as they booked passage through to the knockout stages of the 2015 U-20 World Cup with a 4-0 thumping of New Zealand on Tuesday.
Rubio Rubin scored twice while Emerson Hyndman and Paul Arriola each added a goal of their own to complete the Americans’ rout of the host nation. LA Galaxy forward Bradford Jamieson IV went 63 minutes in the victory.
It did not take the Americans long to find the back of the net as in the sixth minute Bradford Jamieson IV scooped up a header by Cameron Carter-Vickers and launched a low shot barreling toward the far post. Jamieson’s shot seemed destined for the back of the net, but was punched in at the goal line by Rubin for his first of the evening.
The Americans doubled their advantage in the 33th minute when a Jamieson header put Rubin through against the New Zealand ‘keeper. His initial effort was saved but Hyndman was there to scoop up the rebound and double the U.S. U-20’s lead.
A third goal was added just before halftime when Paul Arriola delivered a blistering strike that went in off the left post after a clever pass in traffic from Gedion Zelalem, who impressed in his first career start for the U.S. squad.
Rubin scored the final goal of the match in the 83rd minute when combination play by Tommy Thompson and Desevio Payne befuddled the New Zealand defense, allowing the FC Utrecht forward to score from close range.
The U.S. U-20’s will wrap up group play on Friday against Ukraine at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland.
Now on six points after two matches, if the Americans get at least a draw, they will finish atop Group A. Meanwhile New Zealand will look to keep their slim hopes of the knockout round alive when they take on Myanmar.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
