Photo by ISIphotos.com
Jack McInerney scored two goals for the second straight game to help lead the U.S. Under-17 national team to a 4-2 win vs. Canada on Thursday night, a victory that helped the Americans clinch a berth in the Under-17 World Cup in October. Sebastian Letget and Joseph Gyau scored the other goals for the United States.
The U.S. team finishes out group play in the CONCACAF Under-17 championships on Saturday against Honduras.
The Americans remain the only Under-17 program to qualify for every Under-17 World Cup since the event began in 1985.
If you want to watch the match, you can see it in full after the jump:
USA vs. CANADA (First Half)
USA vs. CANADA (Second Half)
What did you think of this performance? Share your thoughts below.
The shot on the 2nd goal was impressive enough, but how about the soft feet to control the pass and turn without even a sniff of losing possession.
Altidore is high on my list and I love what he does, but he doesn’t receive that pass nearly as well and his touch before shooting is probably 4 or 5 times more heavy (possibly resulting in a turnover).
It’s good that McInerny doesn ‘t have dual citizenship…less chances of the USMNT screwing things up like Subotic, Rossi etc. Or does he?
@herzog74
Other nations take it seriously, but I don’t think any other nation’s fans take it as seriously. Who knows whether these kids have what it takes to make a good professional career, but of what I watched of the first half it was good on the eyes.
I’ve been hearing Jack McInerney’s name a lot lately. Any rumors of him to Europe?
The second best thing to McInerney’s rocket of a goal is the broadcasters and producers’ attempts at pronouncing and spelling the kids’ name.
‘John McInertney.’ Hilarious!
Really like how these kids are playing. Mexico’s kids are playing well, too. Good movement. Good technical skills.
i agree about Honduras. that will be a good test. 6-0 over Cuba. i’m still pulling for Honduras, Costa Rica, and Canada to match Mexico and the USA on a regular basis. that will make the region stronger which will benefit our team. sure, the US may actually not be an automatic into the World Cup, but wouldn’t that be better from a true soccer perspective?
nick – he grabbed the attacker and forced him down. as soon as you put your hands all over a guy in the box you are asking to get a foul called on you. it was a mental mistake by the Canadian defense just like the mistake made by the USA defense that led to the second goal. i mean, 14 shots to 4 shots doesn’t make it sound like the first goal have really made a difference. they were still playing their hearts out.
Nick, it’s because the defender had him by the shoulder and pulled him down.
I have almost done a 180 on Jack Mc! I was pretty impressed w/ his skill in front of goal. The 30 yd BOMB was sick!
I am just not sure how well he will play when up against the Big Boys of Brazil, Argentina and the host Nigeria. At the Nike friendlies I was really disappointed but this tourney has really given me a new view of the kid.
Why are they playing on field turf?
US-Hon game should be good. I saw Honduras highlights, Anthony Lozano looks to be a great player for them. Have a look at him.
From the small ammount of this I’ve watched, it looks like we played a lot better than vs. Cuba, despite the score.
It’s a terrific stat that we have made every U17 WC since the thing started. It shows just how far we have come. However, this might reflect 2 things:
1) How seriously do the major footballing nations take the tournament? Do they even need to take it seriously since their clubs have developed World Class academy systems.
2) Yes, we make the tournament, but how well do we do? And are our domestic leagues (MLS, USL) and World Cup (the big one) performances a reflection of how coaching and training beyond the U17 level fails to develop elite players?
Food for thought Ives?
lol at the big soccer comment. wait no Ives bashing?! Is Lledget still at West Ham? thats some quality training if true.
When is Bradley going to FINALLY give Jack McInerney a look???????
– wait, this isn’t Bigsoccer? Oh. nevermind
Alpharetta represent!!!!
Wow these kids play better than most MLS teams, case in point NY vs Kansas City last night…
I’ve watched both U-17 games now and am impressed by how technical the U.S. team is. I don’t know if it’s all Wilmer’s coaching or these kids are just coming up through the ranks with more emphasis on being a soccer player than an athlete, but I think this bodes well for 2014, 2018, and 2022. I never thought I’d see the U.S. get back to the World Cup quarterfinals in my lifetime. Maybe these kids will grow into a team that can do it.
2nd goal was amazing! That’s 4 goals in 2 games for him now right?
the first goal was just shocking … i don’t know how the ref gives a penalty for a 50/50 ball between the defender and attacker… on a cross.. ( that was the turning point and it changed the whole game. ……. ) 2nd and 3rd goal were good goals for the US but i honestly believe that the game would be seriously different if the early goal was not conceded… ( prob still a us win 1 or 2- 1)
Jack McInerney is a beast. 2nd goal was amazing.
If you did not see the SECOND GOAL…..WATCH IT!!!! THE THIRD GOAL WAS PRETTY GOOD AS WELL!!!!! So disappointing to be at the game and the only USA fans are the parents of the kids!!! fun to be there anyway…Salchi P, San Diego!
McInerney’s 2nd goal was impressive, a hard driven ball from about 30 yards into the upper 90. Not many pro goalkeepers would get to that one.
The two goals conceded were somewhat problematic–more of the mental mistake variety. Hopefully they learn from that and avoid those mistakes in Nigeria.
All I am going to say is when asked who was a stud a few months back for the youngsters in US Soccer… I told everyone about Jack McInerney from the ATL…
Way to go boys, now make some noise on the world stage.