The US Under-20 national team will kick off a daunting World Cup campaign on a high note after topping Portugal 3-1 on Friday in their final tune-up game before the competition starts in seven days' time.
LA Galaxy homegrown forward Jose Villarreal continued to impress for the U-20s, scoring off a direct free kick to put the US up within 10 minutes. Portugal equalized in the 27th minute, though, sending the teams into the break knotted at one goal apiece.
The US forced the issue immediately after the restart, however, as Colorado Rapids center back Shane O'Neill connected on a set piece before Monterrey's Alonso Hernandez finished the day's scoring in the 53rd minute.
In addition to the attacking outburst, goalkeeper Cody Cropper had a fine day out, solidifying his claim on the starting spot for the tournament in Turkey with eight saves.
