In heartbreaking fashion, the U.S. U-20 National Team was eliminated from the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup on Saturday, losing in a penalty kick shootout against Serbia. The loss clears Jordan Allen to return to Real Salt Lake, where he could be available for Sunday’s nationally-televised match against Sporting Kansas City at Rio Tinto Stadium.
After playing to a scoreless draw through 120 minutes, the U.S. had opportunities to put away Serbia in the shootout, but ultimately fell 6-5, ending the team’s run in the quarterfinals. The U.S. has not reached the semifinals of the U-20 World Cup since 1989.
In the tournament, Allen played three matches, starting twice and logging 218 minutes. With Real Salt Lake, the second-year, multi-purpose player has one goal and two assists in 508 minutes over 10 appearances, five of which have been in a starting role.
He is scheduled to return to Utah on Monday and should be available for Sunday’s clash with Sporting Kansas City.
Additionally, Real Salt Lake defender Elias Vasquez will face Bermuda in the second leg of a 2018 World Cup qualifier. In the first leg in Guatemala City, the teams played to a scoreless draw. The two-leg, aggregate goal series concludes Monday in Devonshire, Bermuda, with the winner advancing to the third round of CONCACAF regional qualifying. The match kicks off at 4:30 p.m. MT.
