U.S. Under-20 team makes strides

Falling less than a month after the World Cup final, and devoid of headlining countries such as Spain, Argentina and Brazil, the Milk Cup is not a tournament that demanded or received much attention.

But the U.S. Under-20 national team's triumphant run in that event, which included victories over China, Denmark and host North Ireland, is still cause for (measured) optimism. The usual strengths associated with the U.S. -- athleticism, size and endurance -- remained, but the Americans were also technically better than their opponents, particularly in a 3-0 victory against Northern Ireland in the final last week.