The United States Under-17 men's national team is nearing the end of its time at the Copa Saprissa Internacional in Costa Rica, but there is still an opportunity to go out on a winning note.
Playing five 70-minute games in five days, the U.S. U-17s recorded wins over clubs Linafa (3-0) and Chorillo FC (6-1), a triumph over host Costa Rica (3-2) and a draw against Honduras (1-1). The U-17s finished off their group games in the 12-team tournament Wednesday with a 3-0 loss to Mexico, which avenged a loss to the United States at the Mondial Minimes tournament back in April to finish ahead of the Americans for first place in Group B.
Nevertheless, the Richie Williams-coached U-17s quailfied for the semifinals with a top-two group finish, and the semifinal match against Universidad Catolica de Chile awaits on Friday, while Mexico will face Club America in another semifinal.
Rolando Munoz leads a cast of 10 U.S. players who have scored goals at the tournament, with the Los Angeles Galaxy Academy product tallying three times. Rubio Rubin, Wesley Wade, Tyler Turner and Bradford Jamieson are among the other U.S. players to find the back of the net in the face-paced event.
Talented U-17 group for sure. Too bad about the loss against Mexico, but form what I hear there is not much difference in talent level between the two countries.
Anyone have any insight as to how Junior Flores has looked during this tourno?