FRISCO, Texas (Thursday, March 24) - FC Dallas reserves fell, 3-0, to the U.S. Under-20 National Team at Pizza Hut Park Field Four today.Reinforced by five FC Dallas Academy players, who returned from Madrid on Wednesday, the FC Dallas reserves surrendered the first goal of the match in the 24th minute. On the play, Joe Gyau broke free down the left sideline and fed a pass to the far post. FC Dallas goalkeeper Josh Lambo protected the near post and still managed to get a hand to the pass, but the deflection fell directly to the feet of Bobby Wood, who walked the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead.
The match became a midfield battle following the first goal. Neither team had a distinct shot on either goalkeeper until the end of the first half when the U.S. U-20s held possession in their attacking third. The final pass from central midfield was partially blocked, but it still managed to split two defenders thanks to U.S. midfielder Sebastian Lletget, who shielded off his defender. Lletget allowed the ball to run on towards goal before turning and finishing with a sliding shot to the back post.
FC Dallas' most-recent signing, forward Fabian Castillo made his debut to start the second half. He came on for Andrew Wiedeman on the left flank. The 18-year-old sped by defenders into open space and showed a strong ability to combine with teammates in tight spaces. His presence helped ignite the FC Dallas attack and the team held possession for far longer than it had in the first half. On two separate occasions, Castillo got in behind the U.S. U-20 defense, but could not find a way to find the back of the net.
After weathering the storm, the U.S. U-20 side's final goal of the day came in the 80th minute on a strike by Kelyn Rowe. FC Dallas initially stole a pass on the play, but the attempt to clear the ball was deflected to the far post where Rowe was waiting. After controlling the ball, Rowe lifted a shot high to the back post for a 3-0 win.
FC Dallas reserves coach Oscar Pareja
On the debut of Fabian Castillo
I thought he looked good. We wanted to give him time today to observe the rhythm of the game and become more comfortable. It is obviously not an MLS game, but we wanted him to face some good competition and jell with his teammates. He came in and had some good moments, and that was enough. Schellas wanted to have a look at him and see him in the rhythm of the game. We saw good things. We're pleased.
On the U.S. U-20 National Team
They have very good players. I like the size of the team and, technically, they are strong. I hope they qualify for the World Cup and get good results there.
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