The United States U-18's went to the Czech Republic and came away champions of the 21st International Tournament of Vaclav Jezek. The Americans captured the title with a pair of group stage wins, which put them in the title match, where they beat the Ukraine.
The tournament actually started poorly for the Americans, with Hungary going ahead in the opener, but they stormed back in the second half. Sebastian Elney scored a brace and Haji Wright added another goal as the U.S. came from behind to win, 3-1, and start the tournament with three points.
The second match did not require a comeback, but it was tough. Sebastian Saucedo and Collin Fernandez gave the Americans a 2-0 lead against the Czech Republic with goals early in the second half, but the Czechs answered with a goal of their own. Wright came to the rescue once more, scoring in the 78th minute to restore the two-goal U.S. lead and while the Czechs got one more goal in stoppage time, it wasn't nearly enough.
The two group stage wins put the U.S. in the final, where they played Ukraine. The match wasn't as open as the first two, but Mukwelle Akale managed to find a way through in the 47th minute and scored the match's lone goal. The goal helped earn Akale player of the tournament -- an honor that joined his Copa del Atlantico MVP honor from earlier this year -- and the U.S. the title.
While Akale won the tournament's top player, Jonathan Klinsmann won goalkeeper of the tournament.