Andy Ruiz (foto) struck for an early Goal of the Year candidate in Guatemala's 1-1 draw against the United States in the CONCACAF Under-20 Championship on January 9, 2015, in Kingston, Jamaica. (Photo: Mexsport)
KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Andy Ruiz struck off a spectacular volley in the 90th minute to give Guatemala a 1-1 draw with the United States in the CONCACAF Under-20 Championship opener for each on Friday at the National Stadium.
The result left both teams behind Group A leader Panama, which earlier posted a 4-0 victory over Aruba. Host Jamaica will meet Trinidad & Tobago to close out the tripleheader later in the evening.
Ruiz, who plays in the U.S. with FC Dallas, hammered home a 24-yard shot after the USA's Kellyn Acosta cleared a corner kick from a scrum of players in the penalty area. The ball went straight to the 18-year-old and he connected crisply, drilling it into the upper left corner past goalkeeper Zack Steffen.
The Americans took the lead in the 58th minute off a corner kick of its own. Second-half substitute Emerson Hyndman found Cameron Carter-Vickers at the far left post. The Tottenham Hotspur youth standout soared high to head past goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen to the right side for a 1-0 advantage.
With the result, the Guatemalans extended their unbeaten streak against the U.S. in the competition to three games. The Chapines advanced in the 2011 edition after 2-1 quarterfinal victory at home. Four years earlier, they battled to a 0-0 stalemate.
The U.S. returns to action against Panama, while Guatemala will face host Jamaica the same day.
