The 2-0 victory of the U.S. Under-20 Women's National Team over Morocco in the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup showed preparedness, skills, and the hard-willed determination to leave a mark on the global stage. Besides, great performances by Yuna McCormack and Maddie Dahlien helped secure three points and kept their hopes alive for advancement into the next round. But a match like that can give us little more than the question of just what we can take from this game and what it really means for the future of the team.
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The Goal That Broke the Resistance
The score line could have been so, so wider when considering the fact that the U.S. racked up 32 shots to just four from Morocco. But soccer always has this funny way of throwing obstacles in the form of a determined defense and, of course, a keeper who had the game of her life. Fatima El Jebraoui was that brick wall for the Moroccan side, frustrating the U.S. forwards time and time again. But as they say, even the strongest of walls always have cracks.
McCormack found that crack. Her goal early in the second half wasn't just her first international goal at the U-20 level, but it was also a sign of her tactical maturity as she built the play before finishing with pinpoint accuracy-the kind of game awareness that could prove vital as the team moves deeper into the competition.
Seizing the Moment
Although the final result was 2-0, it was, in fact, much harder than what the result could have shown. Morocco, playing for the first time in the U-20 World Cup, had a solid backline with good resilience. The Atlas Lionesses did not come just to fill a spot but to prove their worth in the top flight.
It was, however, the U.S. who knew how to capitalize on those moments. McCormack's goal wasn't all individual brilliance; it was a product of concerted pressure and teamwork that had been stifling Morocco from the opening stages of the match. That aggressive style in both the field and goalmouth created everything for the U.S. in that match.
Maddie Dahlien and the Knockout Blow
The first goal was a sigh of relief, but the second was the finisher. In the 90+6 minute, Dahlien pounced on a defensive mistake and coolly slotted home to secure the three points. That goal wasn't just "icing on the cake" as some might think--it pushed the U.S. ahead of Paraguay in the standings, which could be crucial in determining their final position in the group. In a competition like that of the U-20 World Cup, every little thing matters, and Dahlien has ensured her side have that little cushion.
Tracey Kevins' Tactical Masterclass
The first of these is head coach Tracey Kevins, who must be credited first for changes she instituted going into the game. With three changes from that lineup which narrowly lost to Spain, Kevins showed her flexibility and sharpness of game-reading. Bringing in Heather Gilchrist to give more solidity at the back and shuffling the attack is what the States needed to cut through Morocco's soaking game.
Though the U.S. started slow against Spain, they flipped that script against Morocco-starting in control from the opening whistle and creating a number of chances. That speaks to a team that knows not only how to adapt but also how to take charge when necessary.
What's Next: The Paraguay Challenge
By defeating Morocco, the U.S. took a shared lead in Group C with Paraguay and faces a daunting task in its next match against Paraguay. By winning, or even drawing, they can qualify for the next round-a second key step in their quest for the world title.
But Paraguay will be no easy prey. Into their third U-20 World Cup, the South Americans have been consistent during the qualification tournament and arrive with fresh spirits after their win against Morocco. The Stars and Stripes will have to keep on pressing, as they did against Morocco, and sharpen up their finishing again to avoid any surprise.
It's often those teams that can make changes during a game in progress, and make even the most minute of openings count in their favor, that make it all the way to victory. And considering how the U.S. can break through even the staunchest of defenses, they look pretty promising. In this regard, defeating Morocco was only the first move-there is still more soccer ahead, and this team seems ready to take on anything.