U.S. U-19 Womens National Team beats Argentina U-20 squad, 2-0

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – The U.S. Under-19 Women's National Team defeated the Argentina Under-20 Women's National Team, 2-0, in the first of two matches in Buenos Aires.

Forwards Kylie Maxwell and Olivia Stafford scored for the U.S., burying goals inside five minutes of the first and final whistles, respectively. The two teams will meet again on Friday, April 17.

Just four minutes into the match, San Diego Wave midfielder Melanie Barcenas collected the ball in the middle of the pitch and threaded a pass to forward Mya Townes at the top of the penalty box. Townes delivered a pass to Maxwell, who snuck her shot through the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper.

The USA dominated the match, outshooting Argentina 20-2, forced eight saves from the Argentinian goalkeeper Priscila Siben, but didn't put the game away until the 88th minute. Chicago Stars forward Micayla Johnson drove around her defender with plenty of speed into the right side of the box. She then sent a beautiful cross to a cutting Stafford, who struck the ball into the net with ease off a first touch.

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Players born on or after Jan. 1, 2006, are age-eligible for next year's 2026 FIFA Women's U-20 World Cup in Poland, meaning all 20 players in camp are training and playing for a shot at that tournament. The U.S. U-19 WNT is unbeaten so far this year with a 3W-0L-1D record.

These matches were a part of the Federation's continued focus on the U.S. Way philosophy, which emphasizes increased programming for Youth National Teams to create more opportunities for young players to advance through the pathway to the senior National Team with the goal of representing their country at a world championship.

-U.S. UNDER-19 WOMEN'S NATIONAL TEAM MATCH REPORT-

Match: United States U-19 Women's National Team vs. Argentina U-20 Women's National Team
Date: April 14, 2026
Competition: International Friendly
Venue: Predio Deportivo Lionel Andres Messi; Buenos Aires, Argentina
Weather: Cloudy, 71 degrees

Lineups:

USA: 1-Elizabeth Thornton; 2-Sealey Strawn (Capt.), 5- Pearl Cecil, 4-Kiara Gilmore (14-Madeline Herniter, 61), 3-Isabelle Devey (20-Jaida McGrew, 61); 8-Riley Cross (18-Adia Symmonds, 61), 6-Keira Kemmerley (16-Jordyn Hardeman, 46), 7-Melanie Barcenas (10-Mia Lopez, 46); 13-Anna Babcock (15-Olivia Stafford, 46), 9-Mya Townes (19-Lauren Malsom, 70), 17-Kylie Maxwell (11-Micayla Johnson, 61)

Subs not used: 12-Evan O'Steen

Head Coach: Carrie Kveton

ARG: 12-Priscila Siben, 2-Rocio Lueje, 3-Carolina Ceniza, 4-Juana Cangaro (Capt.) (19-Catalina Dos Reis, 61), 5-Valentina Tesio (14-Sofia Quiroga, 56), 6-Luzmila Ramirez, 7-Delfina Lombardi (22-Sofia Alvarez, 73), 8-Julieta Martinez (21-Oriana Villa, 73), 9-Valentina Gianninetto (18-Jazmin Alcetegaray, 56), 10-Brisa Jara, 11-Micaela Bulacio (20-Alexia Mendoza, 61)

Subs not used: 1-Paulina Aprile, 13-Luisana Araya, 15-Milagros Fernandez, 17-Oriana Gomez, 23-Araceli Saleme

Head Coach: Meloni Christian

Stats Summary: USA / ARG
Shots: 20 / 2
Shots on Goal: 10 / 0
Saves: 0 / 8
Corner Kicks: 3 / 0
Fouls: 2 / 3
Offside: 2 / 1