The United States has yet to win a penalty kick shootout at the Under-20 level, and Saturday’s quarterfinal match against Korea DPR would prove no exception. When the 1-1 deadlock held through extra time, Korea DPR advanced to the semifinal round on three consecutive saves by goalkeeper Kim Chol Ok.
The first 10 minutes of the game could have been pulled from an entirely different match. What worked for the Americans in the previous game against China initially gave them the advantage in the quarterfinal against Korea DPR. Lindsey Horan maintained the attacking midfield role, and Mallory Pugh’s speed helped the U.S. push forward. It was her run up the right flank that led to Makenzy Doniak’s goal, giving the U.S. an early lead that could have provided the Americans with confidence and momentum.
Instead, Korea DPR patiently pushed its own attack, forcing the U.S. to defend to keep the narrow lead instead of increasing it. The United States held onto the 1-0 lead at halftime, but the Koreans’ discipline and organization had provided opportunity to test U.S. goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland. USA seemed to return to its form from earlier in the tournament as Korea DPR slowed down the game and eventually put the Americans on their heels.
The Koreans saw a glimpse of their penalty kick chances early in the second half, as U.S. defender Stephanie Amack was whistled for a handball in the box. Jon So Yon converted the penalty kick for Korea DPR to bring the scoreline even.
Although Korea DPR continued to control the match, the U.S. was not without its chances in the second half. Pugh saw an excellent opportunity (provided by Doniak) go over the crossbar, and Horan was unable to capitalize on a free kick opportunity.
The 30 minutes of extra time saw few chances for either side, especially after Ri Un Sim left the match with apparent cramps.
Korea DPR was undaunted by the prospect of the decisive penalty kick shootout and proved equal to the task. Kim Chol Ok saved the Americans’ first three attempts, while Rowland was only able to block the Koreans’ second.
The quarterfinals mark the United States’ earliest exit from the U-20 Women’s World Cup. This is the Americans’ second early departure, with the previous one coming in 2010 after another penalty kick shootout against Nigeria.
Scoring Summary
USA – Makenzy Doniak (Mallory Pugh) – 6′
PRK – Jon So Yon – 54′ (PK)
Misconduct Summary
USA – Stephanie Amack (caution, 53′)
PRK – Ri Un Yong (caution, 82′)
PRK – Jon So Yon (caution, 90’+2)
PRK – Choe Sol Gyong (caution, 105’+2)
Penalty Kick Shootout
USA – Savannah Jordan – blocked (0-0)
PRK – Jon So Yon – converted (1-0)
USA – Lindsey Horan – blocked (1-0)
PRK – Choe Yun Gyong – blocked (1-0)
USA – Rose Lavelle – blocked (1-0)
PRK – Ri Kyong Hyang – converted (2-0)
USA – Stephanie Amack – converted (2-1)
PRK – Rim Se Ok – converted (3-1)
Lineups
USA: 1-Katelyn Rowland; 16-Stephanie Amack, 3-Cari Roccaro (capt.), 20-Katie Naughton, 2-Christina Gibbons; 5-Rose Lavelle, 17-Andi Sullivan, 10-Lindsey Horan; 9-Makenzy Doniak (7-Savannah Jordan, 105′), 15-Margaret Purce (8-Summer Green, 75′), 12-Mallory Pugh (6-Taylor Racioppi, 83′)
Subs Not Used: 4-Brittany Basinger, 11-Rachel Hill, 13-Carlyn Baldwin, 14-Nickolette Driesse, 18-Jane Campbell, 19-Kaleigh Riehl, 21-Rose Chandler
Head Coach: Michelle French
Korea DPR: 1-Kim Chol Ok; 2-Song Kyong Hui, 3-Choe Sol Gyong (capt.), 16-Ri Un Yong, 12-Jon So Yon; 7-Choe Yun Gyong, 9-Ri Hyang Sim, 17-Choe Un Hwa, 13-Kim Mi Gyong (8-Rim Se Ok, 86′); 10-Ri Un Sim (20-Kim So Hyang, 96′), 15-Jo Ryon Hwa (19-Ri Kyong Hyang, 70′)
Subs Not Used: 4-Choe Yong Mi, 5-Kang Ok Gum, 6-Kim Hyang Mi, 11-Kim Phyong Hwa, 14-Ri Kum Suk, 18-Rim Yong Hwa, 21-Jang Yong Sim
Head Coach: Hwang Bong Yong