The U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team, lead by the Columbus Crew’s own Ben Swanson as captain, defeated Germany’s U-18s 2-1 in the first of two international friendlies. Mauricio Pineda scored a first-half goal and Brooks Lennon pushed the lead to two goals late in the second half.
Germany did get one goal back, converting on a penalty kick in second-half stoppage time, but it was too little, too late as the USA held on for the win. The U.S. and Germany meet again on Friday, Dec. 19.
Pineda opened the scoring with a 19th-minute, right-footed volley from 25 yards out that clipped the inside of the right post and crossed the goal line for a 1-0 lead. The score stayed that way until the 76th minute. Sebastian Saucedo had the initial shot during the USA’s attacking sequence, and Lennon followed with the tap-in rebound for a two-goal cushion. Lennon’s tally proved to be the winner.
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