RANCAGUA, Chile (October 9, 2025)* — The U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team is on a roll, and Benjamin Cremaschi is at the heart of it. The young captain led from the front with two goals — one in each half — as the United States defeated Italy 3-0 to secure a berth in the FIFA U-20 World Cup quarterfinals. Midfielder Niko Tsakiris added a superb free-kick strike to seal the result at Estadio El Teniente, sending Marko Mitrović’s squad into its fifth-straight quarterfinal at this level.
### A Commanding Start Against a European PowerThe Americans entered the Round of 16 determined to respond after a narrow 2-1 loss to South Africa closed the group stage. Mitrović reshuffled the deck with seven changes, re-energizing the squad against a technically polished Italian side.
Italy came closest early. In the eighth minute, Mattia Mosconi’s curling cross caught the wind and struck the left post before goalkeeper Adam Beaudry pushed away a header from Christian Corradi. It was a warning sign — but also the last moment the Italians truly looked in control.Moments later, the U.S. flipped the momentum. After sustained pressure, Zavier Gozo brought down a cross at the far post and teed up Cremaschi at the top of the box. His first-time shot forced a save from Jacopo Seghetti, and from the ensuing corner, Nolan Norris’s header created chaos that Cremaschi pounced on for the opening goal in the 15th minute.
### Holding Firm, Then Striking Again
Italy sought a response before halftime but was denied by a confident Beaudry, who collected every loose cross and low drive that came his way. When U.S. winger Cole Campbell nearly doubled the lead in the 42nd minute on a breakaway, it was clear the Americans were growing in swagger.The second half opened cagily, with the U.S. defense — anchored by Wynder and Kohler — standing firm under Italian pressure. Beaudry again proved sharp on the hour mark, gathering a skidding 25-yard effort from Mattia Mannini.Then came the moment of magic. In the 79th minute, after being fouled just outside the box, Tsakiris stepped up over a free kick that Cremaschi appeared poised to take. With the captain serving as decoy, Tsakiris curled a left-footed strike around the wall and inside the far post. It was his second of the tournament and a technical masterclass that left Seghetti frozen.
### Finishing in Style
Desperate, Italy threw numbers forward, twice appealing for penalties that VAR correctly waved off. That aggression left them exposed, and in stoppage time Luke Brennan made them pay. The substitute split the defense with a square pass that released Cremaschi into space. The captain calmly lifted the ball over the advancing keeper to make it 3-0 and secure his brace.
The finish capped a statement performance — one built on resilience, composure, and a cutting edge that Italy could not match.
### Statistical Milestones and Team AchievementsCremaschi’s two goals were his fourth and fifth of the tournament, setting a new U.S. record for most goals in a single U-20 World Cup. He surpassed a distinguished list that includes Taylor Twellman (1999), Eddie Johnson (2003), Josh Sargent (2017), and Sebastian Soto (2019).Goalkeeper Adam Beaudry earned his second shutout, making three key saves behind a back line that held Italy to just three shots on target despite conceding eight corners. Wynder, Norris, and Kohler were instrumental in clearing crosses and closing down shooting lanes, while the midfield trio of Cremaschi, Brooklyn Raines, and Tsakiris controlled tempo with maturity beyond their years.The victory also extended the USA’s streak of reaching the U-20 World Cup quarterfinals to five consecutive tournaments — a run that began in 2015. It marks the nation’s eighth overall trip to the last eight, highlighting how the U-20 program has quietly evolved into one of the most consistent forces in youth international football.
### Looking Ahead
With this latest triumph, the U.S. has now recorded back-to-back 3-0 wins over European giants France and Italy, showcasing a balance of defensive discipline and attacking flair that could carry them deep into the knockout rounds.Next up is a quarterfinal clash against the winner of Morocco vs. Korea Republic on Sunday, October 12 (4 p.m. ET, FOX Soccer Plus, Universo, Peacock). Whichever side emerges, the Americans will remain in Rancagua — a logistical advantage as they continue to settle into rhythm on Chilean soil.
### The Bigger Picture
For head coach Marko Mitrović, this victory is validation of both his tactical adjustments and the depth of the player pool. By rotating seven starters from the South Africa match, he kept legs fresh and competition fierce. The result was a team that pressed with purpose, broke lines efficiently, and showed calm under pressure — all hallmarks of a group learning how to win knockout football.
Equally encouraging is the chemistry among the attacking corps. Gozo’s movement, Brennan’s late-game spark, and Campbell’s willingness to stretch defenses have opened space for Cremaschi and Tsakiris to shine. The duo now has seven combined goals in four matches, a level of output that mirrors top-tier tournament contenders.
### Final Word
The U.S. U-20s are proving they’re more than a developmental squad — they’re a team capable of dictating matches against Europe’s best. With a record-breaking captain in Benjamin Cremaschi and a deep, confident roster behind him, the Americans are poised to chase history in Chile.
Their next challenge arrives Sunday, but one message is already clear: this U.S. generation is fearless, clinical, and ready to write its own legacy
