By TATE STEINLAGE
The U.S. U-17 National Team has had a rough go at the Open Nordic Tournament thus far.
Manager Richie William’s squad dropped its second match in as many days, losing 4-1 to Norway Tuesday after being shutout by Denmark 2-0 the day before.
Norway struck early, tallying goals in the 8th and 20th minute respectively. The U.S. did well to respond with a goal of their own from forward Elijah Rice moments before the halftime whistle, but it would be the last celebration for the U-17 USMNT.
The Norwegians scored two second-half goals over a 20 minute span to distance themselves from the U.S. before the final whistle blew in a 4-1 defeat for the U.S. side.
Monday’s match against Denmark featured a similar narrative, at least in the first half, as the U.S. conceded two first-half goals in a 2-0 result for the Danish.
The half-strength U.S. squad will play its final group stage match on Thursday against the Faroe Islands before playing in either the 5th/6th or 7th/8th consolation match.
The other half of the split U-17’s will participate in the Copa Mexico de Naciones, with the the opening game scheduled for Aug. 2 against China PR in Mexico City.
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What do you make of the U-17’s performance in Denmark? Should the results be overlooked due to the split squad?
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