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USA U-17s top Brazil to win Nike International Friendlies championship

U17 MNTvsBrazilJD201186

Photo by John Dorton/ISIphotos.com

Plenty can change in terms of player development over the next number of years, but for the time being, the United States Under-17 national team proved that there's much to be excited about when it comes to the future of the U.S. program. 

Rubio Rubin, Tyler Turner and Wesley Wade scored first-half goals, as the U.S. U-17s completed an unbeaten run at the Nike International Friendlies in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., with a 3-1 victory over Brazil on Sunday to capture the tournament championship.

Rubin opened the scoring in the second minute off a flicked-on free kick from Junior Flores by creatively redirecting the ball with his back to the goal. The lead was short-lived, as Brazil pulled level in the 16th minute off a strike from distance by Matheus Querioz after a failed clearance. 

The U.S. U-17s kept on bringing the attack to the Brazilians during the open affair, though, with Turner scoring the eventual game-winner in the 31st minute, smacking home a loose ball inside the area. Wade doubled the U.S. edge just before halftime, redirecting Flores' cross into the net.

The United States tied France and defeated Turkey prior to Sunday's victory. Wade and Turner led the United States with two goals apiece at the tournament, while Ruben, Flores and DeAndre Robinson chipped in with one each.

Highlights from Sunday's tournament finale are after the jump:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gpdd7J7v2PY]

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What did you think of the match? Excited about the U.S. U-17 results over the past few days? Which U.S. prospects impressed you the most at the tournament? 

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Glad to see the win and some young talent. I hope there’s more and that these kids can develop into something both professionally and for the Nat’s.

    Reply

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