By CALEB SONNELAND
The United States U-17 national team was dumped out of the FIFA U-17 World Cup by a lethal German side that showed little mercy in dismissing the Americans with a 4-0 result.
Despite registering only one less effort at goal (15) than the Germans (16) according to US Soccer, the United States couldn't capitalize on its chances and fell behind 3-0 going into the half thanks to goals from Koray Guenter (20'), Mitchell Weiser (40'), and Samed Yesil (43'). Yesil played the provider only three minutes before netting himself when he teed Weiser up in front of the U.S. goal to tuck away to double his side's advantage.
Marvin Ducksch capped off the impressive performance shortly after the break in the 49th minute on an assist from defender Cimo Roecker.
The scoreline could be seen as somewhat cruel to the Americans, who pushed forward on several occasions and forced some smart plays from goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos (eight saves) and his back line. Mario Rodriguez had a few testing shots, as did Alfred Koroma and Alejandro Guido, but there was no breaking through as Germany held firm.
A big positive to take away from the match for United States fans was the play of goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh. Though he conceded four goals, McIntosh made several fine saves (10 total) throughout the match and the scoreline could have looked much differently had McIntosh not came to play.
Highlights of the match can be seen here.
What did you think of the game? Was it a case of Germany looking great or the United States looking bad?
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