From one generation to another, US women are keeping their soccer heritage intact. While the USWNT is taking all the glory in world soccer, their juniors have suddenly called for some well-deserving limelight as well. Led by their coach Tracey Kevins, they have now reached the semifinals of the under-20 World Cup against all odds igniting excitement from former greats and US soccer enthusiasts. While Emma Hayes guided the Stars and Stripes’ senior team to Olympic gold, it’s Kevins this time driving the junior team with some sensational inspiration.

After yesterday’s outlandish victory against Germany, a video revealed the coach’s message during the team talk. Speaking after the game, Kevins said, “No Words, You’ve got me. Most surprised I’ve ever been. I swear to God 2 nil down with a minute and a half to go. And we said it at the team talk, ‘This crest is so much bigger than all of us. It gives you a superpower.’ And my god, you’ve used every bit of that tonight. Congratulations you deserve it.”

The thrilling journey of the US U-20 has continued this World Cup, but the game against Germany was a fairytale. A penalty in the 58th minute was followed by a stoppage-time goal in the second half. The Yanks were trailing by 2 goals until the 90+ 7th minute. But a rather dramatic turn of events saw 2 goals from the USA within a space of 90 seconds, taking the game into the deadlocked extra time.

Subsequently, Kevins’ team aced the spot kicks 3-1 making it one of the most entertaining games in the history of the Under-20 World Cup. Although Emma Hayes’ team had a more dominating run in the Olympics as they conceded just 2 goals in the entire tournament, the fight put up by the US Junior team speaks volumes about the team spirit catalyzed by their coach, and for that, Kevins is receiving praise from the American soccer fraternity.

After Emma Hayes, USA legend lauds Tracey Kevins’ accolade

Emma Hayes brought gold with the USWNT despite being just two months into her job. This led USA’s highest goalscorer Abby Wambach to call her the ‘real deal’ and say that even the English coach deserved a medal along with the players. Now, it’s time for Tracy Kevins and her team for such praise. Replying to the video of the coach’s team talk, Wambach wrote, “Well done!! 2 nil down with almost no time left?!!! 🔥🙌👏 go USA!!!”

The World Cup hasn’t been easy for the US women’s U20 team. After losing their group stage opener to Spain, the team had to fight persistently to win against Morocco and Paraguay. Moreover, the match against Germany was the second match where they triumphed with the goals in the dying minutes. Thanks to strikes by Jordynn Dudley, the team scored a similar injury-time winner against Mexico in the Round of 16.

As they are set to meet North Korea in the semifinals on Wednesday, the US women’s U20 team will go into the match as favorite, aiming to give the supporters a great year to celebrate after the Olympic glory of USWNT.