FRISCO - The U.S. U-20s pulled out a must-win game on Memorial Day to keep their U-20 World Cup hopes alive, defeating Nigeria 2-0.
After starting on the wing in the opener, Paxton Pomykal once again wore the captain's arm band (at least until Mark McKenzie subbed on in the second half) but moved centrally into the midfield - much like his role with the FCD first team in a breakout start to 2019. The Homegrown made an immediate impact in creating two quality scoring chances in the opening 45.
Brandon Servania, who scored the lone goal for the U-20s on Friday, came on in the 76th minute to help see out the 2-0 lead for the Americans. For the second straight match, Edwin Cerrillo was available off the bench but didn't get the call from head coach Tab Ramos.
The U.S. closes out the group stage on Thursday against against last-place Qatar in Group D.
From the Lone ⭐️ State to Poland
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) May 26, 2019
Paxton Pomykal reps the 🔴, ⚪️ & 🔵 for both club and country. The @FCDallas midfielder is helping lead the charge for the U-20 #USMNT in 🇵🇱 pic.twitter.com/KjBTUH2dq5
