Tyler Adams twice came close to scoring in his international debut. (Photo courtesy of MLS)
LEIRIA, Portugal — Tyler Adams made his international debut Tuesday night, playing the entire 90 minutes in the United States’ 1-1 draw with third-ranked Portugal.
The 18-year-old Red Bulls midfielder came close to making an impact, not once, but twice at Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa.
In the 20th minute as goalkeeper Beto denied Adams’ left-footed shot from close range. The keeper thwarted him again by making a spectacular save a six-yard header in the 52nd minute.
Adams (18 years, 273 days) is the first player born in 1999 to appear for the national side and was the second youngest to earn a cap in 2017 after Christian Pulisic (18 years, 187 days on March 24 vs. Honduras).
The Wappingers Falls, N.Y. resident, who performed for the U.S. in the Under-20 World Cup earlier this year, has played several positions for the Red Bulls this season, including holding and advanced midfield and as an outside back.
He played in 24 games this Major League Soccer season, recording two goals and four assists.
As a 16-year-old in 2015, Adams signed his first professional contract, playing for Red Bulls II in the United Soccer League.
