USA U-23 Olympic Team Loses To Mexico In Final Group Stage Fixture, Advances To Semifinals

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The USA u-23 team lost its final group stage fixture against Mexico but qualified for the semifinals.

Unfortunately, Uriel Antuna’s goal in the 45th minute was enough for Mexico to secure all three points. However, the USA still managed to qualify after beating fellow group members Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic.

Real Salt Lake was well represented in the fixture with four former RSL Academy players making Jason Kreis’ starting XI. David Ochoa started in goal, Aaron Herrera at right-back, Sebastian Saucedo on the wing, and Sebastian Soto was up top.

Almost showtime ⌛️

Your U-23 #USMNT for tonight's @Concacaf Clásico! pic.twitter.com/XSLYBBLTqN

— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) March 25, 2021

Justen Glad, who is also on the trip, did not see any playing time after he started both previous group stage games.

The highlight for RSL fans came when David Ochoa duked Mexico’s Antuna minutes after the only goal of the match had been scored. His nifty footwork sent social media buzzing.

😳👋 @davidochoagk sent Uriel Antuna flying with this Cruyff turn pic.twitter.com/GIcQOXICUU

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 25, 2021

Despite controlling 54 percent of possession, the young USA side struggled all game to penetrate the backline of Mexico. By the conclusion of the game, the USA was outshot by their rivals 7 to 13. Sadly, of those seven shots, just one of them was on target.

The USA will not wait patiently for their opponent in the second round. Depending on the results tomorrow, the USA will either play Canada or Honduras. If the US can navigate their way through the semifinals they would qualify for the final and the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games this summer.

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