The USA U-20 Team advances to the FIFA World Cup Quarters, Sentnor Shines

A Record-breaking performance

The United States Under-20 Men’s National Team made history on Tuesday, reaching the quarterfinals of FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2001, on the heels of a commanding 2-0 victory over France in Lublin, Poland. With the win, the U.S. U-20s become only the second team in the country’s history to reach the quarterfinals of both the FIFA U-20 World Cup and FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Paxten Aaronson scored the opening goal in the 23rd minute, before Alejandro Alvarado sealed the win in the 84th minute. The United States’ defense was superb throughout the match, led by the heroics of goalkeeper Chris Brady, who made several key saves to keep France off the scoreboard.

The United States will face Panama in the quarterfinals on Friday, June 11, with the match scheduled to kick off at 9 a.m. ET in Gdynia, Poland. Panama advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Ecuador 4-3 on penalty kicks.

Sentnor’s contribution to the win

Paxten Aaronson was named Man of the Match for his performance, but it was the play of center back JT Sentnor that was most impressive. Sentnor, who plays his club soccer for FC Dallas, was a rock in the back for the United States, winning tackles, making interceptions, and clearing dangerous crosses.

Sentnor’s performance was all the more impressive considering that he was playing in place of the suspended Bryan Reynolds. Sentnor was not expected to start the match, but he stepped up in a big way and helped the United States reach the quarterfinals.

After the match, Sentnor said he was “just trying to do my job” but admitted that it was a special feeling to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup.