USYNT Defeats Portugal in Friendship Cup Final

The USYNT just defeated Portugal in the Friendship Cup final winning the tournament in penalties. This particular age group will be competing at the 2027 U20 World Cup qualifiers, and is missing many key names who are playing up with the USYNT U20s for this cycle. They will also more than likely add names to the group from the current U17 squad following their World Cup run. The USYNT rolled out a 4-3-3 formation for the final with Kayne Rizvanovich in goal, a back for of Dominik Chong Qui, Drew Baiera, Braden Dunham, and Jackson Platts. The midfield included Seattle Sounders product Snyder Brunell, Marvin Dills, and Santi Morales. The front three consisted of left-winger Jaidyn Contreras, Colton Swan, and center forward Justin Ellis. Overall a strong lineup from the USYNT which includes a mix of players who are relatively new to the USYNT setup and some mainstays.

The USA started the game off hot when FC Dallas winger Jaidyn Contreras scored from 35 yards out. The Portugal goalkeeper was left in no mans land as he expected another touch from one of the USYNT forwards, but the ball rolled by everyone into the back of the net. The USYNT continued the first half well, but Portugal was defiantly growing into the game. Marvin Dills once again showed his quality for the USYNT. He currently plays for Eintracht Frankfurt U-19, and was the best player on the pitch throughout half one. Other notable performances from the USYNT include Justin Ellis up top, and midfielder Synder Brunell was solid as well.

Into the second half now, and it did not start well for the USYNT with Portugal’s Salvador Blopa scoring the equalizer. The match remained a stalemate throughout the second half. This meant we were headed to penalties. Afonso Meireles scored the first penalty for Portugal making no mistake from the spot. Colin Guske stepped up next, but unfortunately he could not convert giving Portugal a 1-0 advantage in the shootout. Although this advantage did not last long as Rafael Mota would miss for Portugal in round two, and Santiago Pita scored for the USYNT making it 1-1 in the shootout. Now into round three, Denilson Santos converted for Portugal, and Braden Dunham tied the score at 2-2 heading into round four. Eduardo Felicissimo would step up for Portugal and fail to convert his penalty. This gave Dominik Chong-Qui a chance to give the USYNT the advantage, and he made no mistake about it. With the USYNT now leading 3-2 this was a must score penalty for Portugal., but unfortunately for the Portuguese, Gustavo Ferreira missed of the crossbar giving the USYNT U18s the Friendship Cup trophy. Marvin Dills would also be awarded the player of the tournament by UEFA.

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