After a tepid showing at the Dallas Cup earlier this year, this U20 MNT cycle desperately needed a marquee tournament performance to build around as 2017 U20 World Cup qualifying inches closer.
They got one at the NTC Invitational over the weekend.
After cruising through their first two matches, a 2-0 win over Costa Rica ada 4-0 win over Panama, the U.S. was forced to come from behind for a hard-earned 2-1 win over a Japan side with a selection of pro players. The U.S. was at home, of course, but taking top honors at any international tournament, especially one with two of the best CONCACAF nations not named Mexico and a Japanese U20 side expected to do well at the AFC tournament.
Inevitably, after a quality finish against Japan, a few players of note distinguished themselves at the event with some eye-catching performances. CONCACAF qualifying is still seven months off, but it’s never too early to start building a first choice lineup for a crucial 2017.
Here’s a look at a few players who made good use of the weekend.
