USA eliminated in U-20 World Cup quarterfinals

The United States were eliminated from the U-20 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, ending the participation of Bayern Munich players in the competition. Chris Richards and the Americans put up a valiant effort but were downed by Ecuador 2-1. Marcel Zylla and Poland were eliminated by Italy in the Round of 16.

By all accounts, Richards was one of the USA’s best players all tournament long and was one of the reasons they made it into the quarterfinals. His center-back partner, Columbus Crew’s Aboubacar Keita, struggled to adjust to the game, leaving the team vulnerable at the back.

Richards and Zylla will both likely get a couple of weeks of vacation before they are summoned back to Munich. You’ll remember that both players were recently promoted to the Bayern II side from the club’s U-19 team. The 3.Liga season begins on July 19.

With no Bayern Munich players making the squad for any nation participating in the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Italy and San Marino, don’t expect much coverage.