U-20 Qualification Stage

The USA is in the much tougher qualifying group- that features 2 Central American nations of Costa Rica and Honduras. Honduras had 30 goals for and only 5 against. Their closest game was against Antigua and Barbuda 4-3, however they would have qualified even if they lost. So it is believes that Honduras used their subs in this game. if we throw out those 3 goals ...they have only conceded 2 goals---just like the USA.

 Costa Rica has not been scored on yet in this tournamnet. That right, they have a clean sheet in the Round 1 games. Costa Rica Group also did not have a bad team in the Round 1 games, all teams were competative. I see Costa Rica U-20 team play exactly like thier national team. Sound and stout D and opportunistic offense. They are strong and confident on the ball. They also will be difficult to get quality scoring chances. 

USA:

The USA is similar to their nation team with very athletic, fast players but not as technically sound as the Latin American players. One advantage is most midfielders or even defensive players dribble the ball forward once there is an opening. If space is in front of them, they go for it. (NOT what the USMNT does---exception Pulisic). This is finally nice to watch....and attack from the USA team.

Another advantage is the USA is adding 2 defenders with European U-19 teams, 26-Chris Richards (Bayern Munich/) and 22-Sergiño Dest (Ajax/NED) to shore up and give the USA defense 2 more quality starters. The USA also added the red hot Sebastian Soto.

Listed below are SOTO last 9 games. He has scored and astonishing 9 goals and 3 assists. This is against his U-19 peers, CONCACAF age group is a year older. Also Soto has a quality team around him feeding him....That being said....look for the midfielders to feed Soto.

OUTLOOK:

The USMNT U-20 will have an extra few days to prepare for Costa Rica and evaluate them. Costa Rica will have played Honduras already. Playing on home soil, having played agressive, relentless Round 1 games, having scored the most goals of any nation (39 goals for) and adding 3 more "professional" U-19 players are all good signs.

The USA must continue to attack when they have the ball with dribbeling. Passing back and fourth and eating up the clock, like the USMNT does against inferior teams is a big mistake. If the US U-20 attacks----even if the lose the ball is the much better game plan. The USA are fast and can track back, they also have depth on the bench....

I see much tighter defensive games in this qualification round. Hopefully the ref will call an even game---unlike the Round 1 games. Honduras and Costa Rica are much more sound defensively and ball possession. Offenses should be limited...... so goal scoring will be paramount. This is where a hot player like Soto might score with agressive play at the forward position.

I think USA will be the favorites. I do not see them coming in last. So it is either 1st or 2nd....I am hoping the USA can win this group and we can see a few stars emerge here. USA 1st Honduras 2nd and Costa Rica 3rd.....GO USA