The U.S. Under-20's fell 4-1 to Spain in their Group A opener at the U-20 World Cup in Turkey.
Two LA Galaxy Academy products Javan Torre and Jose Villarreal earned the start for Tab Ramos as Spain quickly distanced themselves from the Americans.
Torre, in particular, struggled as he was targeted early by the Spanish. On Spain's first goal, which came just five minutes into the match, Gerard Deulofeu was able to capitalize on the space given to him by Torre and send in a cross to Jese for the first goal. The UCLA defender was again taken advantage of on the second goal as Deulofeu fired a right-footed shot that sailed past U.S. goalkeeper Cody Cropper in the 42nd minute. Jese would add a third just before the end of the first half to put the U.S. down three after the first 45.
Deulofeu completed his brace in the 61st minute to stretch the Spanish lead to four. However, the Americans would pull one back in the 77th minute as Real Salt Lake midfielder and Garden Grove native Luis Gil fired a powerful left-footed strike for the Americans' lone goal of the game. Three Galaxy Academy graduates earned time against Spain as Villarreal played 72 minutes, North Hollywood's Mario Rodriguez went 45 minutes while Torre played a full 90 minutes in the defeat.
The U.S. return to action against France on June 21, the French defeated Ghana 3-1 in their tournament opener.
