A goal from Ayo Akinola was enough to move Tab Ramos’ side one step closer to a trophy
The U.S. under-20 men’s national team is already bound for the U-20 World Cup, but Tab Ramos’ side moved one step closer to a trophy on Monday with a win over Honduras.
Ayo Akinola’s second-half goal was just enough for the USA, who edged Honduras 1-0 on Monday night in their latest CONCACAF U-20 Championship clash.
With the win, the U.S. picked up the team’s seventh consecutive win to open the competition and advanced to the tournament finale against Mexico. El Tri advanced thanks to a 2-2 draw with Panama in their group finale on Monday.
The U.S., Mexico, Panama and Honduras are all bound for next summer’s World Cup with Honduras earning the point needed to edge Costa Rica for the final qualifying spot.
Following a scoreless first half, the USA finally got their breakthrough just moments into the second via Akinola.
In the 51st minute, the Toronto FC product broke through on the right as a deflected long ball fell to his feet.
Akinola fired on the half-volley, finding the far post and providing the U.S. with the goal needed to seal a spot in the final.
The goal was Akinola’s sixth of the tournament, tying him with Ulysses Llanez for the team lead.
Now, the U.S. look ahead to a clash with Mexico, the region’s most successful U-20 side with 15 of the 21 total titles in the competition’s history.
The U.S. won their first crown just last year, topping Honduras in that finale.
Mexico and the U.S. will collide on Wednesday to close the tournament.
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