Cowell & Yow Strike Late to Rescue USMNT U23s vs Henry's France

In a pulsating international friendly clash, the U23 US Men’s National Team showed tremendous fighting spirit to come from behind and salvage a hard-fought 2-2 draw against a talented French side coached by legendary striker Thierry Henry.

The match, played behind closed doors in preparation for the upcoming Paris Games, was a stern test for the young American outfit against one of the powerhouses of world soccer.

It was the visitors who drew first blood, capitalizing on a defensive lapse in the 18th minute. A precise through ball split the American backline, and French striker Antoine Bernier made no mistake, slotting past the onrushing US keeper with a calm side-footed finish.

The USMNT struggled to gain a foothold in the game as Henry’s well-drilled French team dominated possession and looked likely to extend their lead. Their probing approach paid dividends on the half-hour mark when midfielder Paul Lacroix’s curling effort from 20 yards out crashed against the underside of the crossbar before bouncing over the line.

Facing a two-goal deficit at the break, the young Yanks needed a response in the second half. Coach Marlon Nevelez looked to the bench, introducing pacey wingers Cade Cowell and Griffin Yow to stretch the French defense.

The substitutions immediately injected energy into the American attack. Cowell’s direct running and trickery caused all sorts of problems, while Yow’s intelligent movement pulled defenders out of position.

Their pressure was finally rewarded in the 76th minute. A clever short corner routine saw Cowell receive the ball in space inside the box, and the San Jose Earthquakes starlet showed great composure to pick out the bottom corner with a firm left-footed strike.

With the bit between their teeth, the US pushed hard for an equalizer in the closing stages. As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Yow latched onto a searching ball over the top and outmuscled his marker before sliding a cool finish underneath the French keeper to send the American contingent into raptures.

The dramatic late comeback salvaged a morale-boosting 2-2 draw for the young Yanks against elite opposition. While there is still work to do before the Paris Games, this spirited fightback demonstrated the character and talent in this emerging US squad.

For Henry’s France, a disappointing lapse of concentration late on cost them victory, but they will surely remain one of the favorites heading into the marquee Olympic tournament on home soil.

With the two teams set to face off again in their opening group match in Paris, Monday’s entertaining encounter whets the appetite for another fascinating clash between these blossoming young talents.