The following match report was provided by U.S. Soccer Communications.
The U.S. Under-19 Men’s National Team defeated El Salvador 3-0 on a rainy night in the second match of Group A at Estadio Universitario BUAP.
The U.S. squad had success early on playing through forward Nimfasha Berchimas on the right side and generated three early shots, forcing the El Salvadorian goalkeeper to make a key save on a right-footed shot from forward Dino Klapija.
In a physical first half, Berchimas suffered a calf injury after being stepped on and was unable to continue. Dylan Vanney entered the match as an injury substitution in the 19th minute.
The Americans broke through in the 35th minute when U.S. captain Chris Applewhite challenged for a lofted goal kick and headed the ball back toward the El Salvador backline. Defender Hugo Aguilar attempted to head the ball back to goalkeeper Oliver Alegria, but the pass forced Alegria off his line. Klapija reached the ball first before being taken down inside the penalty area, resulting in a VAR-confirmed penalty kick.
Klapija converted the penalty with a powerful right-footed shot into the upper left corner, giving the United States a 1-0 lead and scoring his second goal of the tournament.
The United States nearly doubled its advantage before halftime. Vanney forced a difficult save with a free kick from outside the penalty area, and Colin Guske later struck the post.
The Americans continued to pressure El Salvador in the second half. Midfielder Colin Guske found forward Jaidyn Contreras with a long pass over the top, and after gaining position, Contreras was fouled inside the penalty area by defender Jose Gutierrez.
Rubén Ramos converted the resulting penalty kick with a shot just inside the right post, extending the U.S. lead to 2-0. Ramos has now converted penalty kicks in consecutive matches during the tournament.
The United States added its third goal in the 89th minute when Xanti Oyharcabal delivered a free kick to the far post. Applewhite redirected the ball toward the center of the goal, where defender Christopher Cupps finished the play with a tap-in.
The Americans controlled the match with 71 percent possession while limiting El Salvador to three total shots and none on target. Through two matches, the United States has yet to concede a goal and leads the tournament with six goals scored.
Earlier in the day, Haiti defeated Cuba 3-2 in the other Group A match. Following its victory over El Salvador, the United States sits atop the group with six points and will need a win or a draw against Cuba in its final group-stage match to secure first place.
The U.S. Under-19 Men’s National Team returns to action against Cuba at 10 p.m. ET on Friday, July 31, at Estadio Universitario BUAP in Puebla, Mexico.
Match Information
Match: United States U-19 Men’s National Team vs. El Salvador U-20 Men’s National Team
Competition: 2026 CONCACAF U-20 Men’s Championship – Group A
Venue: Estadio Universitario BUAP | Puebla, Mexico
Weather: 63 degrees, Light Rain
Scoring Summary
35′ – USA: Dino Klapija (Penalty Kick)
61′ – USA: Rubén Ramos (Penalty Kick)
89′ – USA: Christopher Cupps (Chris Applewhite)
Team Statistics
| Category | USA | El Salvador |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 15 | 3 |
| Shots on Goal | 5 | 0 |
| Saves | 3 | 1 |
| Corner Kicks | 1 | 1 |
| Fouls | 22 | 21 |
| Offside | 2 | 1 |
Lineups
USA: Kayne Rizvanovich; Tristan Brown, Brandon Dayes, Chris Applewhite, Christopher Cupps; Alexander Shaw (Javaun Mussenden, 69), Colin Guske, Jaidyn Contreras (Joshua Torquato, 81); Rubén Ramos (Xanti Oyharcabal, 81), Nimfasha Berchimas (Dylan Vanney, 19), Dino Klapija (Colton Swan, 69).
Substitutes Not Used: Braden Dunham, William Lodmell, Lucas McPartlin.
Head Coach: Gonzalo Segares.
El Salvador: Oliver Alegria; Hugo Aguilar, Alexander White (Emerson Guardado, 53), Jose Guatemala, Jonathan López, Gabriel Arnold, Jonathan Aguirre, Diego Peña, Christian Coreas (Uriel Miranda, 66), Luis Tobar (Wilber Diaz, 81), William Cabrera (Jeferson Roque, 66).
Substitutes Not Used: Maximo Sandoval, Peter Cornejo, Johann Ortiz, Aiden Benitez, Anderson Portillo.
Head Coach: Erick Dowson Prado Mélendez.
Misconduct Summary
47′ – Alexander White (El Salvador) – Caution
59′ – Alexander Shaw (USA) – Caution
84′ – Hugo Aguilar (El Salvador) – Caution
88′ – Diego Peña (El Salvador) – Caution
Match Officials
Referee: Felix Mojica (Nicaragua)
Assistant Referee 1: Jorginho Vasquez (Panama)
Assistant Referee 2: Twayne Anderson (Canada)
Fourth Official: Michael Venne (Canada)
Source: U.S. Soccer Communications.
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