The U.S. U20 Women’s National Team opened play at the 2018 CONCACAF Championship with a 2-0 win over Nicaragua on Friday. Taryn Torres scored the opening goal in the 17th minute off an assist from Savannah DeMelo. Civana Kuhlmann made it 2-0 in the second half on an assist from Jaelin Howell. 

The result did not seem like it was in much doubt during the contest as USA had the superior athletes all over the pitch. However, Nicaragua could have made it a bit more interesting in the opening five minutes when USA goalkeeper Laurel Ivory slipped on a kick and knocked the ball right to the opposition. Nicaragua’s shot from outside of the box hit the top of the crossbar. 

USA settled into the game after the blown chance, and did not let Nicaragua’s attack cross half field for much of the rest of the game. 

The overmatched Central American squad did enough to frustrate USA through parts of the game. Nicaragua hounded the USA midfielders, and limited time on the ball. However, USA was its own most difficult opponent for many instances in the game. USA tried to hit long searching balls with limited success. The forwards seemed determined to send in every cross from the end line with a lack of accuracy or timing on the pass or runs. 

USA found some success when they turned the tables on Nicaragua and pressed the women in blue into giveaways in attacking positions. The second goal from Kuhlmann was a direct result of a quick finish after a mistake from Nicaragua. 

After the second goal, USA settled into the game with more composure on the ball and enjoyed better linking ball between the midfielders. DeMelo was the lynchpin throughout the game and the most active player in hunting out touches on the ball. She was nearly rewarded for a goal with a free kick shot from over 40 yards out that hit off the crossbar. 

USA settled for the 2-0 win even though they pushed for a third goal during the final 15 minutes of the game. USA returns to action on Sunday with a game against Jamaica, who lost 0-4 to Mexico on Friday.