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USMNT: CONCACAF U-20s Recap and Takeaways vs. Haiti

By Sean Curtis

Jul 18, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Fans unfurl a giant US flag before a game between the United States and the Cuba in a CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal match at M&T Bank Stadium. The United States won 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 18, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Fans unfurl a giant US flag before a game between the United States and the Cuba in a CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal match at M&T Bank Stadium. The United States won 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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After the fourth goal, the USA coasted into the finish of the game. Here are the three major takeaways from the game:

1. The USA still struggled on offense

Even if they put up four goals, the USA struggled to create much going forward. As a CONCACAF power, they are stuck facing teams that bunker against them, and they are a team designed to play counter attacking soccer. They were lethal on the counter attack, grabbing two of their goals and earning a PK this way, but they never really looked comfortable breaking Haiti down. Hopefully the team can get more comfortable breaking their opponents down as the tournament progresses.

2. Their midfield

The USA midfield was major difference maker in the game. The combo of Lewis, Williamson, De la Torre, and Lennon showed a lot of individual talent throughout the game. As the game continued, it became clear that they were just more talented than the Haiti midfield, and that proved to be the Haitian downfall.

3. The USA is set for a tough second round

If they are able to advance from their group, the USA will move into another group of three teams. From there, the top two will advance to the U-20 World Cup and fill out half of a four team bracket to crown a CONCACAF champion. If the third set of group stage games play out as they should, the USA will be stuck in a group with El Salvador and Mexico. Not be an easy rout to the World Cup.

Next: CONCACAF: Champions League Preview - Vancouver vs. Red Bulls

The USA will play their final game of group stage on Friday evening at 5:30 EST and it can be streamed live on the CONCACAF Facebook page.

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