USA U-20’s learn their World Cup group

This is the draw for the 2017 U-20 World Cup draw. The USA have been drawn against Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, and Senegal. I would love to meticulously break down the opponents and what it means for Tab Ramos’ side, but I honestly have no idea. Going to Wikipedia and regurgitating a bunch of facts about all three teams would be a disservice to you.

So, I’ll leave the big time analysis to the true experts. Brian Sciaretta says the draw is “manageable”. While Top Drawer Soccer’s Will Parchman calls it “deceptively tough”.

Here’s what I believe. The U-20 team that goes to this tournament will be drastically different personnel-wise from the team that qualified. European-based players such as Haji Wright, Weston McKennie, Nick Taitague, Josh Perez and Matthew Olosunde could all be called in as reinforcements. However, do not expect to see Christian Pulisic with a U.S. Soccer youth team again.

The tournament begins on May 20th. Hopefully this team can replicate the 2015 group and advance deep into the knockout stages.