USA 1-1 Portugal recap: A good day for the youngsters

At this point, the USA was playing for nothing but the future. Going to Portugal and getting a result with a bunch of young players is really promising.

The players were young and inexperienced, but they did not miss a beat. They were energetic, lively and were up for it. Even though Cristiano Ronaldo was not on the field, the Portugal team was still strong and the U.S. took it to them.

U.S. youngster Weston McKennie started off the games’ scoring with a very nice solo effort. This was McKennie’s first cap for the team, he plays his club soccer for FC Schalke in Germany. McKennie, one of the several new faces to play today, was one of the many bright spots in today’s game.

The USMNT’s lead only lasted for around ten minutes when Vitorino Antunes crossed the ball into the box, scoring off his cross. Which, in any other circumstance would have been routine save, USMNT goalkeeper Ethan Horvath had a howler.

McKennie had the USMNT’s other big chance when he headed a ball off the crossbar in the later moments in the game. Other than that, there was not really any more chances for the team.

The USMNT’s defense was stout all game. Matt Miazga, John Brooks, DeAndre Yedlin and Eric Lijah were all solid. Miazga’s leadership was present today and really all game Portugal struggled to break them down.

When it is all said and done, the USMNT had a good showing, this game gives us a good indication of the young talent this team has. Obviously, it is still a bummer we will not see the team in the World Cup, but it is promising to know they do have young talent. Now it is up to the new coach to properly manage this young team.

The next time we will see the USMNT play will be on January 28th, 2018, when they take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in Los Angelas.