With the pressure that a win would secure a spot at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Philadelphia Union homegrown Paxten Aaronson rose to the occasion with a pair of goals as the United States U-20 team defeated Costa Rica at the Quarterfinals of Concacaf U-20 Championship.
The U.S. started a trio of Union homegrowns with Brandan Craig and Quinn Sullivan starting alongside Aaronson. The Medford, New Jersey, native needed little time to break into the statsheet, finishing off a cross from Sullivan in the sixth minute to put the U.S. up early.
Just like in the opening half, Aaronson needed just a few minutes in the second half to give the U.S. an insurance goal with a smooth left-footed finish in the 49th.
With one key win behind them, the U.S. now looks to grab a spot at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The Stars and Stripes will take on hosts Honduras at July 1st in the semifinals.
