US Under 20s lose to Argentina

In a game that served as a warmup for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, defending world champion Argentina held off the U.S. attack on Tuesday night at PAETEC Park in Rochester, N.Y. for a 1-0 win.

In a game that saw both teams earn several good scoring chances, the United States seemed to get the better of the offensive opportunities throughout the game, outshooting Argentina 15-8, but couldn't beat goalkeeper Emiliano Centeno. A perfectly taken free kick by Alejandro Gomez from the right side of the box found Diego Braghieri, who timed his run perfectly to head the ball in the back of the net for the game's only goal.

"In the end we didn't convert our chances and they converted the one they had," said U.S. U-20 men's national team head coach Thomas Rongen. "I can't be prouder of the mentality of the team though. We put the reigning world champions on their heels. It's a great lesson to be learned at this point, that the little things make a difference. I'm not happy about the loss, don't get me wrong, but at the same time there are a lot of building blocks and positive things we can work on."

Both teams will be taking part in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will take place in Canada from June 30-July 22. The U.S. was drawn into Group D with Korea Republic, Poland and Brazil. The U.S. opens against Korea Republic on June 30, then faces Poland on July 3 and concludes group play on July 6 against Brazil.