USA U18s Handle Obstacles, Surprises to Beat Brazil Age-Graders

The Brazil team was a bit older than U18 and in fact some were U20s. Tht provided an interesting challenge for the USA players, with the Brazilians bringing the physicality.

“Brazil brought constant linespeed and physical collisions in their defense which tested our skillset in attack,” USA U18 Head Coach Luke Lewis told GRR. “I was very happy with how we adapted to be more-direct and front up physically with many strong carries over the gainline.”

Add to that some tough defense on their own goalline and the U18s have to be fairly happy with a close loss to Uruguay and a win over a Brazila U18-19-20 team.

“Defensively, our scanning and fold/hold process was much improved, which allowed us to get into positions to make our own dominant tackles,” added Lewis. “I was mostly impressed with our game management in the kick battles. We kicked at the right times and into the right areas which forced Brazil to give us ball back in positive areas to continue our pressure cycle game plan.”

Lewis called it an important win.

But more than that this was about character. The opponent change, and the kickoff being bumped back three hours added more challenges.

“It’s important for me to mention the maturity of this group and their ability to adapt to the uncertainties they faced in the buildup to the game,” said Lewis. The venue was double-booked and the USA game had to wait. “This group embraced it all with excitement and showed how they’re capable of handling pressure, which is very much the theme of the tour.”