Scotland Under-21s suffer loss to USA Under-20s in Spain

Scotland lost their opening Marbella Cup match to the United States' Under-20 side in Spain.

The Americans took the lead when Scotland goalkeeper Jordan Archer dropped a high ball in the box and Jose Villarreal tapped the ball home from close range.

Villarreal grabbed a second before the break, heading home a long throw-in.

Scotland failed to find a way back and have to pick themselves up for their next match, against Canada on Monday.

To add to a miserable day, Ryan Jack, who captained the side for the first time, was carried off on a stretcher after twisting his right ankle.

Although the extent of the injury is still unclear, the Aberdeen defender will play no part against Canada.

Despite temperatures at the Marbella Football Center reaching 25 degrees at kick-off, the heat seemed to have little affect on the young Scots in the early stages

Aberdeen defender Clark Robertson found space inside the USA half on four minutes and unleashed a venomous shot that flew just past the post.

In the 18th minute, Celtic striker Tony Watt made space for himself on the edge of the USA box and forced goalkeeper Kendal McIntosh into a flying save.

However, two minutes later, the Scots went behind when Archer dropped a long throw-in that left Villarreal with the simple task of tapping the ball into the empty net.

USA almost doubled their lead minutes later when the ball fell for Mario Rodriguez, but the striker sliced his shot past the post.

Scotland tried to find their way back into the match and Stuart Armstrong forced McIntosh into another great save when he aimed a shot towards the top corner of the net.

However, on the half-hour, USA were 2-0 in front when Stark's side failed to learn their lesson from the first goal.

Another long throw-in went deep into the Scotland box and the unmarked Villarreal headed the ball across the goal and beyond Archer.

Scotland coach Billy Stark made a number of substitutions after the break, with Kieran Duffie replacing the injured Jack on 55 minutes, but to no avail.

Stark's side stepped up their efforts with Livingston midfielder Stefan Scougall a constant threat going forward, but they were unable to create any real chances.

USA Under-20: Mcintosh, Okwuonu, Torre, Stanko, Packwood, Pelosi, Joya, Gil, Villarreal, Rodriguez, Cuevas. Subs: Horvath, Top, Kiesewetter, Miller, Lopez.

Scotland Under-21: Archer, Jack, Robertson, Kerr, Wallace, Fyvie, McGeouch, McLean, Armstrong, Scougall, Watt. Subs: Kettings, Duffie, McHattie, Holt, Smith, Carrick.