US U-20 Men's National Team rolls into FIFA U-20 World Cup quarterfinal with no goals allowed

The United States U-20 Men's National Team is rolling.

The team dominated New Zealand 4-0 in its Round of 16 match in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Tuesday in Argentina, advancing to the quarterfinals for the fourth straight time, the only country to achieve the feat. The U.S. U-20 team is also the only team in the tournament to not allow a goal, securing shutouts in all four matches. It's motivated to continue its hot streak and win its first U-20 World Cup.

"I think as (we) stated before, being at a World Cup is motivation enough," head coach Mikey Varas told reporters following Tuesday's victory. "You get a chance to represent your country. It's a massive honor, and it's a huge responsibility that we do everything that we're capable of to make sure that we make everyone back home proud."

USMNT U-20 team cites 'chemistry' as secret to success

The U.S. cites "chemistry" as a key factor to its winning ways. Varas said that the players naturally hang out together and have built a sort of family.

In the knockout win on Tuesday, Kevin Paredes and Rokas Pukstas came on the pitch as late substitutions for their first playing time of the tournament. Pukstas scored the final goal. Midfielder Diego Luna said the change of lineup wasn't a big adjustment for the team.

"We all have that chemistry already, so that was not a problem," he said. "I think the friendship and the bond is there. ... It's just another brother coming into the team that we know the strengths and weaknesses of each player just how we know every single player. … I think it's good chemistry and everybody gets everybody."

Luna said the team can improve on closing out games and emphasized the family aspect that drives them as they compete not only for this tournament, but for a chance to play in the 2026 World Cup. That tournament will be hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States.

"I think it’s all about just being ruthless and just going and going and going," Luna said, "and knowing that your brother’s going to be right behind you."

Cade Cowell continues hot streak

While nearly everyone on the U.S. has succeeded in Argentina, one person leading the way for the red, white and blue is Cade Cowell. A forward for the San Jose Earthquakes, the 19-year-old Cowell has been on a tear offensively, scoring a goal in three straight matches in the World Cup, including a goal in the 61st minute Tuesday to give his team a 2-0 lead and effectively secure the win.

Cowell leads the USMNT with his three goals, which are second most in the tournament behind Cesare Casadei's four goals for Italy.

U20 World Cup bracket

The U.S. will play its quarterfinal match on Sunday against the winner of Gambia and Uruguay. That match will be played Thursday.

The other matches in the Round of 16 include Uzbekistan vs. Israel, Brazil vs. Tunisia, Colombia vs. Slovakia, Argentina vs. Nigeria, England vs. Italy and Ecuador vs. Korea.

The quarterfinals will be held Saturday and Sunday.

If the United States beats the winner of Gambia vs. Uruguay, the side would play Uzbekistan, Israel, Brazil or Tunisia in the semifinals.

The semifinals will be held June 8 and the third-place game and championship will kick off June 11.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USMNT beats New Zealand, advances to FIFA U20 World Cup quarterfinal