FIFA U20 WORLD CUP 2025 CHILE

United States & Mexico Put the World on Notice

The United States U-20 National Team secured a place in the Round of 16 with a resounding 3–0 victory over France, putting behind them the disappointment of their shocking opening defeat.

After conceding nine goals in their debut against New Caledonia, many doubted whether the Americans would have the strength to recover in a group that also included France, one of the pre-tournament favorites. However, in Santiago, Marko Mitrovic’s side delivered an inspiring response, showcasing tactical discipline, defensive resilience and attacking sharpness in the second half.

The first half was a battle of possession, with both teams prioritizing ball retention and neutralizing one another in midfield. Neither side created dangerous chances, and the match looked destined to be decided by a moment of brilliance or error. That moment came late, and it belonged to the Americans.

The introduction of substitutes Zavier Gozo and Luke Brennan injected pace and unpredictability into the U.S. attack. In the 84th minute, Gozo broke the deadlock with a well-timed header that caught the French goalkeeper off guard. Just minutes later, pressing high up the pitch, Brooklyn Raines forced a turnover, combining with Gozo to finish the play himself for a quick-fire second. In stoppage time, Gozo struck again, this time rattling the crossbar before Ecuadorian-American forward Marcos Zambrano pounced on the rebound to score the third goal, sealing a famous win.

The 3–0 triumph not only secured progression to the knockout rounds but also restored faith in a group of players determined to prove they belong at this level. The United States will face South Africa on Sunday to close the group stage, a match that will decide their final seeding heading into the Round of 16.

In Group C, which is also regarded as the “group of death,” Mexico is continuing to go toe-to-toe with global powerhouses. This time, the young Mexicans secured a 2-2 draw against Spain on Wednesday, making it the second straight game with the same result for Mexico.

Phenom Gilberto Mora opened the scoring in the game in the 32nd minute, but the Spaniards were able to turn the game in their favor thanks to goals from Pablo Garcia in the 42nd minute and Iker Bravo in the 80th minute. It’s beginning to look like the “Late Show” for Mexico as the team added more drama to the match when Mora bagged his second goal of the game in the 87th minute.

Mexico now turns its focus to group leaders Morocco, who have not lost a game yet in the tournament. Eduardo Arce’s team will secure their spot in the knockout round with a win against the African nation, whereas a draw could also be enough, depending on the result in the Brazil-Spain match.

SPONSORED BY COLLEGE COACHES SHOWCASE CAMP

The pathway to college soccer just got a massive upgrade. Footy Access is proud to announce our official partnership with College Coaches Skills Camp — a national leader in connecting players to the next level.

For years, CCSC has provided opportunities for players to showcase their talent in front of college coaches across the country. Now, with Footy Access stepping in, we’re bringing unmatched media coverage, storytelling, and exposure to the athletes and programs in order to chase their collegiate goals.

This partnership isn’t just about camps — it’s about creating a movement. Together, we’ll shine a brighter light on youth soccer to college soccer, giving fans, families, and coaches a front-row seat to the process.

What This Means for the Game

• Exclusive coverage from CCSC’s boys’ and girls’ showcases, highlighting the players you need to know.

• Enhanced college rankings content, now presented by CCSC, making the pathway clearer and more connected than ever.

• Stories that matter — from interviews to behind-the-scenes access, we’ll bring the college soccer grind to life like never before.

This is more than a partnership — it’s a promise. A promise to raise the standard of coverage, to give athletes the visibility they deserve, and to keep parents, players, and fans connected to the heartbeat of the college game.

We’ve got camps, rankings, highlights, and stories on the way — and this is just the beginning.

Footy Access x CCSC.
The next step in the journey starts now.

NCAA DIVISION I SOCCER

Portland Setting a New Standard in NCAA

For the first time in program history, and the first time in any national poll since 1992, the Portland Pilots have been ranked No. 1 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll. They were a unanimous choice, collecting all eight first-place votes, a testament to the dominant start they have had this season.

Portland currently stands at 7-0-1 overall and 1-0-0 in WCC play, fresh off a convincing win over the Gonzaga Bulldogs last weekend. The Pilots are unbeaten through eight matches for the first time since 2022, and their 7-0-1 record marks their best start to a season since 1988. Extending back to last year, they now carry an 18-game unbeaten streak, the second-longest active streak in the nation.

Statistically, Portland has been among the elite teams in college soccer. They lead the country in goals per game (3.00) and assists per game (3.63), while ranking second nationally in goal differential (+22), shutout percentage (.875), and total assists (29). They also sit third in goals-against average (.286), fourth in total points (77), and 10th in overall goals (24). Perhaps most impressively, the Pilots have recorded seven clean sheets in just eight matches for the first time in their history, with their +22 goal differential standing as the program’s best in a fall season since 1999. It has been a nearly flawless campaign, one that has rightfully positioned Portland at the very top of the nation.

Meanwhile, second-ranked NC State reaffirmed its dominance with a commanding 3-0 road victory over UNCW on Wednesday night, in front of a season-record crowd of 2,463 fans. The win marked head coach Marc Hubbard’s 250th career NCAA Division I victory, an achievement that underscores both his longevity and consistency at the highest level.

As he has done all season, Donavan Phillip set the tone early. The nation’s leading scorer found his 14th goal of the year in the 13th minute, capitalizing on a well-worked sequence involving Taig Healy and Calem Tommy. That early strike gave the Wolfpack the comfort of a 1-0 lead, one they would protect for much of the match thanks to a disciplined back line and the steady performance of goalkeeper Logan Erb, who collected six critical saves on the night.

In the closing minutes, NC State’s attack came alive once again. With just 10 minutes remaining, Phillip and Tommy combined to set up Caden Tolentino, who calmly slotted home his third goal of the season to double the advantage. The final blow came moments before the whistle, when confusion in the UNCW defense during a set piece allowed Moloney to pounce, sealing a comprehensive 3-0 victory.

With Phillip continuing his prolific scoring form, Erb anchoring the defense, and Hubbard’s milestone adding further weight to their momentum, NC State remains firmly entrenched among the elite programs in the country as they push deeper into the season.

Georgia Southern stunned the college soccer world with a 2–1 victory over No. 4 Marshall, marking their first win against the Thundering Herd since 1996. Ricky Louis was the hero, scoring both goals in a gritty performance that pushed the Eagles to an unbeaten 8-0-1 record. For a program seeking to establish itself nationally, the win represents a signature moment, with another major challenge looming against No. 10 West Virginia on Oct. 4.

The No. 13 Princeton Tigers capped their three-game road trip with a 2–0 win at Army. Goals from Kevin Kelley and Jackson Martin secured the result, keeping Princeton among the Ivy League’s strongest sides at 7-1 overall and 1-0 in league play. Head coach Jim Barlow praised his team’s defensive resilience and opportunism, noting their ability to withstand pressure in the second half.

In Ann Arbor, Michigan State made school history by defeating back-to-back top-five opponents for the first time ever, topping No. 5 Michigan 2–1 on the road. The victory also ensured that the Big Bear Trophy returned to East Lansing.

The Spartans struck first in the 51st minute when Miles Merritt converted a penalty after freshman Peter Soudan was fouled in the box. Michigan equalized moments later through an own goal, but the decisive moment came in the 64th minute when Richie Ludwig’s strike off the post found its way past the Wolverines’ goalkeeper. Michigan State’s defense absorbed heavy pressure in the final stages, with senior keeper Zac Kelly making three crucial saves to preserve the result.

Head coach Damon Rensing celebrated the achievement, emphasizing both belief and resilience: “To beat two top-five teams in a week and keep the Big Bear is pretty amazing. I think the guys have the belief now. They really earned it today.” The Spartans now stand at 5-4 overall and 2-2 in the Big Ten, with Penn State next on the schedule.