Kelyn Rowe Scores Two In U.S. U-20 Win Over Panama
April 2, 2011
UCLA freshman Kelyn Rowe scored two goals to lead the U.S. Under-20 Men's National Team to a 2-0 victory over Panama at the CONCACAF U-20 Championships in Guatemala City, Guatemala on Saturday. The team's second consecutive shutout gave the U.S. first place in Group B and a spot in the quarterfinals.
Rowe's goals, his second and third in the tournament, came in the first 20 minutes of the game. His first goal was set up by Bruin junior Eder Arreola in the 13th minute. Arreola sent a back-heel pass along the sideline for Greg Garza on the left wing. Garza sent a cross to the far post, where Rowe fired a half volley into the side netting for the game's first goal.
Rowe scored again five minutes later. Arreola again started the play with a pass near the top of the penalty area. Conor Doyle and Rowe both dummied the ball to allow it through to Sebastian Lletget, who flicked the ball ahead for Rowe, who had darted into the box. On his first touch, Rowe flicked the ball with the outside of his foot over the Panama goalkeeper and into the back of the net to make the score 2-0.
The U.S. will now face Guatemala, second-place finishers in Group A, in the quarterfinal match that will send one team to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia. That quarterfinal match can be seen live on ESPN Deportes or ESPN3.com on Wednesday, Apr. 6, at 4:30 p.m. PT.
To view highlights from the game, click here.