Okon 'proud' of unbeaten Young Socceroos

Young Socceroo coach Paul Okon has lauded his young team's efforts at the 2014 NTC Invitational in California after remaining unbeaten throughout the round robin tournament.

Australia thrashed Bermuda 4-1 in their opening game before coming back from two goals down to beat Chile 5-4 in one of the team's greatest ever results. 
 
The Young Socceroos needed to beat the USA in their final game to win the tournament but were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw with the hosts claiming the title on goal differential. 
 
"The match tonight was a very tough match against a top class opponent," Okon said. 
 
"I am very proud of the way our team have played in this tournament and we came across a difficult opponent tonight that were well organised and are a good team.
 
"Our players are in pre-season at the moment and the USA team players are in the middle of the MLS season and we were able to match them which is a positive sign."
 
The tournament was intended to give Australian-based players international experience and Okon said he was pleased with the team's performances in California. 
 
"The purpose of this tournament was to come here and play 3 quality opponents that will assist in preparing the team for the AFC U-19 Championships in October," Okon said. 
 
"The trip has been a great success and I couldn't be happier with our the team performed and applied themselves throughout the 10 days. 
 
"We now look forward to continuing our preparation with a training camp in Sydney in two weeks time."
 
Australian National Team Manager Simon Roberts hailed the tournament as a huge success and lauded US Soccer for running and organising the event. 
 
"We would like to thank US Soccer and Jim Moorhouse and his team for a great run tournament, the logistics around the team operations and the tournament have been first class and it is a credit to US Soccer to put on such a successful tournament," he said. 
 
"The Australian U-20 National team is privileged to be part of such a great tournament and look forward to strengthening our relationship in the future."