By CALEB SONNELAND
While the rest of the USMNT fan base was busy mourning the recent loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup final, the U-17 team was celebrating its progression in the Round of 16 at the U-17 World Cup in Mexico.
A scoreless draw against New Zealand was enough to see the United States finish Group D in second place behind Uzbekistan. Being level with the Kiwis on points and goal difference, a drawing of lots was needed to determine who finished the group in second place. Shortly after the game, the nod was given to the United States, which means the team will face the winner of Group E, currently the high-flying Germans who are +8 on goal difference after only two games.
Alfred Koroma was announced in the Starting XI after coming off the bench the last two games to find the back of the net with Paul Arriola being demoted the bench. Koroma partnered up with Mario Rodriguez up top and the pair looked threatening early in the first 10 minutes but couldn't convert any of their chances.
Captain Marc Pelosi also had handful of early opportunities, but, like his team mates, failed to make any of them count as the score remained knotted at 0-0. It wasn't Pelosi's day as he was eventually sent off in the 68th minutes after receiving a second yellow and his marching orders. The red card means that the Captain won't be available for the probable clash with the Germans on Thursday, June 30th at 4pm EST.
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What have you thought of the U-17 World Cup so far? Who's your stand out performer? Does a clash with Germany worry you?
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