The United States' U-20 national team didn't have a shining start to their participation in this year's U-20 World Cup, falling 2-1 to Ukraine on Friday at Stadion Miejski in Wrocław, Poland. The U.S. fought back from a first-half deficit, thanks to a goal from FC Dallas' Brandon Servania; however, the American side couldn't find another equalizer after conceding an early second half-goal, despite having a majority of possession and having more scoring chances between the two teams.

D.C. United's Chris Durkin, who was an integral part of the U-17's success at the 2017 World Cup, started and played 90 minutes for head coach Tab Ramos against Ukraine. 

Serhiy Buletsa scored the opener for Ukraine in the 26th minute, when the USA's back line failed to deal with a long ball from midfield. That lead was short lived however, as Tim Weah found Servania unmarked in the box to finish off a well-crafted move in the 32nd minute.

But Bulesta's delivery from a corner kick in the 51st minute found Denys Popov, who rose above two defenders to nod in the game-winning goal. Both sides would hit the woodwork later in the second half, and USA winger Alex Mendez forced a fine save out of keeper Andriy Lunin shortly after Popov's goal.

In the other game in the group, Nigeria had little trouble dispatching Qatar to the tune of a 4-0 scoreline. The African side will line up opposite of the U.S. for their next game, which takes place on Monday.