Substitute Darren Yapi Helps U-20 USYMT Defeat Strong Ecuador Side

It took just one goal for the U-20 United States Youth National Team (USYNT) to topple a formidable Ecuador team that aimed to spoil the Yank’s opening Group B match in the 2023 World Cup Tournament. Substitute Darren Yapi played his part in the winning play.

In the 93 minute of the contest, right back Jonathan Gómez, playing up drilled a left-footed shot from near the top of the 18-yard box past the outstretched arms of Educator’s 6’1″ goalkeeper Gilmer Eduardo Napa that found the upper right corner of the net. 

Gomez plays within Spain’s Real Sociedad organization and originates from Keller, Texas 

The brilliant goal brought a sparse crowd of U.S. supporters to their feet in balmy San Juan, Argentina, as well as the team’s entire coaching staff that is led by Michael Vargas.

Vargas inserted Rapids’ fan-favorite Darren Yapi in the 65th minute.  It was the fourth appearance for the youngster who hails from Bronx, NY, and is on a several up-and-coming high potential players on Colorado’s first team, and and the highly completive ranks of the U.S. Youth program.

The swift striker managed to get-off two shots during his abridged outing. 

His teammates collectively launch 13 shots, of which five were on goal.  The U.S. outpossessed Ecuador 62% to 38%, however, the young Ecuadorian goalkeeper and his immediate defensive line kept the Stars and Stripes at bay for most of the game.

According to U.S. Soccer’s media guide, the U-20 team has entered tournament as champion of Concacaf competitions. Team USA is looking to build on a history of success as the only nation to reach the quarterfinals of the last three U-20 World Cups and one of three countries to qualify for the last five editions.

The Yanks qualified for the 2023 U-20 World Cup as it took home its third straight confederation crown at last summer’s Concacaf U-20 Championship in Honduras. The U.S. rolled to seven straight wins at the tournament, including a strong 2-0 quarterfinal victory against Costa Rica to clinch its World Cup berth. 

A 3-0 win against host Honduras sent the U.S. Men to the Olympics for the first time since 2008 while a dominant 6-0 triumph against the Dominican Republic in the tournament final secured the Concacaf crown.

The tournament opener marks the third-straight meeting between the USA and Ecuador at the U-20 World Cup, following a quarterfinal clash at Poland 2019 and a back-and-forth group stage thriller at Korea Republic 2017.

Vargas’ roster boasts players from 18 clubs- including 11 from Major League Soccer, led by three players from the Philadelphia Union and two from the San Jose Earthquakes. Six players are based abroad, two each in England and Germany and one player each in Croatia and Spain.

The U.S. continues Group B play against Fiji on Tuesday, May 23 and will close the group stage vs. Slovakia on Friday, May 26.

Photo Credit: John Babiak.

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