Sporting KC defender Kayden Pierre earns first start for United States U-20 Men’s National Team

Sporting Kansas City defender Kayden Pierre made his first start for the United States Under-20 Men's National Team on Saturday, starting at defender in the U.S. U-20's 1-1 draw against Colombia.

The Sporting KC Academy product started at right back for the youth national team in the second round of the Revelations Cup group stage. The U.S. will have one more match in the round-robin stage of the tournament against Mexico at 5 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Nov. 15.  

The U.S. nearly grabbed the lead half an hour into the match with a shot that banged off the post. The U.S. did grab the lead moments later with Caden Clark’s panenka penalty in the 33rd minute.  

Colombia nearly equalized off a set-piece but the shot was pushed onto the cross bar by U.S. keeper Alexander Borto. 

Colombia had another chance to equalize just before halftime with a set piece in a dangerous area. The shot taker curled it over the wall but pushed it inches wide of the post.

The U.S. started the second half with a couple of opportunities to double their lead but an offside flag and an errant shot from distance foiled those plans.  

Pierre joined the attack in the 66th minute with an attempted cross and some excellent combination passing in the attacking third.

Colombia had the first real chance of the second half with a cross near the penalty spot. Pierre rose up to put off two Colombian attackers and kept the U.S. ahead 1-0.  

Late in the match, Pierre made an excellent defensive play to deny Colombia’s left wing a shot from deep in the attacking third. Colombia would fine the equalizer moments later on a cross from the right side into the six-yard box that was headed into the top of the net.  

Pierre and the U-20 U.S. squad have their final match of the Revelations Cup on Tuesday at 5 p.m. CT on TUDN as the U.S. takes on Concacaf rivals Mexico. The U.S. could potentially move onto the knockout stage with a win.