Young Socceroos held by USA

The Young Socceroos have rounded out their USA tour with an entertaining 0-0 draw with the United States at the 2014 NTC invitational in California.

 Paul Okon's men dominated large periods of the match but were unable to add a finishing touch despite a host of gilt-edged opportunities. 
 
The USA played primarily on the counter attack but were unfortunate not to find the back of the net after hitting the woodwork on a number of occassions. 
 
Australia started the game brightly and could have opened the scoring in the third minute but a heavy touch cost Brandon Borrello after Riley Woodcock put him through on goal. 
 
Woodcock was called upon shortly after with the Perth Glory defender on hand to clear the ball off the line after Australian goalkeeper Jordan Thurtell was left stranded off his line.
 
Livewire Awer Mabil created a fantastic chance in the 11th minute with an incisive run down the left flank but his teasing ball was fired wide by Stefan Mauk. 
 
The Young Socceroos dominated possession in the opening twenty minutes but the USA looked threatening on the counter attack and almost took the lead in the 21st minute when Romain Gall's free kick smacked the post. 
 
Australia's best chance in the opening stanza fell to Daniel De Silva who struck a vicious drive from distance which forced US keeper Zach Steffen into a spectacular save. 
 
The USA finished the half the stronger with Lynden Gooch striking the post from distance but the two teams went into the break locked at 0-0. 
 
The hosts came out firing in the second half and almost scored directly from the kick off with Gooch beating Thurtell from long range but his shot cannoned into the woodwork. 
 
The Young Socceroos regained their composure and continued to dominate possession as the half wore on without really threatening the USA goal. 
 
The second half lacked continuity as both sides were guilty of a series of fouls with a number of personel changes also contributing to a stop-start affair. 
 
But the hosts continued to press for a goal and USA attacker Tommy Thompson forced Aussie keeper Jordan Thurtell to make a smart reflex save in the 79th minute. 
 
Needing a victory to win the tournament the Young Socceroos pushed numbers forward in search of a goal but were unable to breach the resilient USA defence. 
 
Young Socceroos’ starting line-up against USA

Thurtell, Garrucio, Warland, Woodcock, Galloway, Gligor, Mauk, Brady, De Silva, Mabil, Borrello