MLS signee Jeremy Ebobisse notched a hat trick, but the US Under-20 men’s national team couldn’t pull out a result against the Netherlands on Friday, falling 5-3 to the Dutch at the Four Nations Tournament in Manchester, England.
The loss dropped the US to 0-2-0 at the tournament. They fell 1-0 to Germany in the opener on Wednesday.
Four MLS players started for the US on Friday, with Seattle Sounders forward Victor Mansaray, Philadelphia Union midfielder Derrick Jones and Orlando City SC defender Tommy Redding joining Ebobisse in the XI. Redding, one of the more professionally experienced players on the squad, served as captain for Tab Ramos’ side.
Ebobisse gave the US a 1-0 lead in the ninth minute, then brought the Americans level at 2-2 with another tally in first-half stoppage time. Arsenal midfielder Gedion Zelalem assisted on both of Ebobisse’s first-half goals.
The former Duke University standout completed his hat trick in the 58th minute, giving the US a 3-2 lead when he finished off a ball from Mansaray.
Ebobisse, who signed an MLS deal in August and will be available for selection in the SuperDraft in January, and the US will take on England on Monday in their Four Nations Tournament finale.
