The United States Under-20 Men's Youth National Team are set to face Panama in the semi-finals of the 2024 Concacaf U-20 Championship on Friday, August 2, with kick-off scheduled for 5:06 p.m. ET (broadcast on Fox Soccer Plus and ViX). This match holds immense significance as a victory would secure a spot for the US in the tournament final and, crucially, a place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The young Americans secured their semi-final berth following a hard-fought 1-0 quarter-final victory over Guatemala. Forward Ruben Ramos Jr. netted the lone goal in the 49th minute, while goalkeeper Adam Beaudry kept a clean sheet, making a crucial penalty save in the 90th minute to seal the win.
Panama, meanwhile, reached the semis after a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win against Canada. Rafael Mosquera put <em>Los Canaleros</em> ahead from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, but Canada equalised through Santiago Lopez in the 76th minute. Panama ultimately prevailed thanks to Aimar Modelo's winning goal just five minutes into extra time.
The two sides have a history in the Concacaf U-20 Championship, with the US holding a 3-2-0 record against Panama. However, the US has lost their last two encounters, with the most recent clash resulting in a 1-0 group stage defeat in 2017.
Panama are making their 13th appearance in the tournament, with their best result being a runner-up finish in 2015. They entered the 2024 tournament as the fourth-ranked nation in the region, finishing second in Group C with a 2-0-1 record.
The US roster boasts a mix of players from MLS and European clubs, with eight MLS players accounting for 19 of the team's 26 goal contributions during the tournament. Ramos Jr., who scored the winning goal against Guatemala, is one of five US players to have scored two goals in the competition.
The US has a strong record in the Concacaf U-20 Championship semi-finals, boasting a 2-1-2 record. They have advanced to the final on two occasions after drawing in the semi-finals and winning the subsequent penalty shootouts.
The team's defensive solidity has been a key factor in their success, with the US having recorded nine consecutive clean sheets in the tournament. This extends their record for most consecutive clean sheets, surpassing the previous mark of six set across two tournaments in 2007 and 2009.
The US has participated in 25 of the 28 Concacaf U-20 Championships, consistently qualifying for the tournament since 1974. They have secured qualification for the World Cup on 16 occasions out of 23 attempts. Following their absence in 2011, the US has participated in the last four U-20 World Cups, achieving a quarter-final finish in the last three editions.
This crucial semi-final clash presents a significant opportunity for the US U-20 team to continue their strong run and secure a place in the final. With a victory, they would be one step closer to lifting the Concacaf title and representing the region on the global stage at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.