Americans tie strong French team

• by Soccer America , May 18, 2011

[U.S. U-20 MEN] The USA got goals from Conor Doyle, Josh Gatt and Luis Gil and drew with France, 3-3, in the first game of two friendlies played in Moulins, France. The French started four players from their 2010 U-19 European championship team.

(Click here for highlights of the game.)

The Americans led until one minute remaining when Anthony Knockaert scored the equalizer for the Bleuets.

Kofi Sarkodie and Gil were the only MLS players in the U.S. lineup. The others were European-based or college players.

Gil was one of three players eligible for the 2013 U-20 World Cup.

France is preparing for the 2011 Under-20 World Cup in Colombia.

The USA and France will meet again Thursday in Vichy.

May 17 in Moulins
France 3 USA 3. Goals: Tafer 13, Knockaert 59, 89; Doyle 8, Gatt 42, Gil 54.   
France -- Ligali, Nery, Lejeune, Faure, Damour, Reale, Tafer, Sunu, Delort, Knockaert, Colin.
USA -- Cropper, Sarkodie, Ibeagha, Brooks, Cunningham, Powers, Gil, Rowe, Boyd, Doyle, Gatt.