By DAN KARELL
The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team kept their unbeaten run in the Nike International Friendlies alive in comeback fashion.
After conceding an early goal, the U.S. U-17s tightened up their defense and scored twice to top Australia, 2-1, in their second match of the Nike Friendlies. The win takes the USA’s record to 2-0-0 heading in to their final match against Brazil on Tuesday.
Head coach Richie Williams made nine changes to his team’s starting lineup, and it showed early as Australia took the lead in the third minute. A corner kick from the Joey’s was deflected by U.S. goalkeeper Will Pulisic, but Australia captain Joe Calletti was quickest to the ball and slotted home.
The U.S. responded soon after though, and in the 15th minute, Pierre Da Silva scampered down the left wing and crossed into the middle to McKinze Gaines, who finished easily to tie the score.
Luca de la Torre, who subbed into the match for Gaines in the 60th minute, scored the game-winner for the USA in the 69th minute. A turnover from Australia goalkeeper Brandon Osipov went right to U.S. substitute Haji Wright.
Wright found De la Torre in space, and the Fulham midfielder dribbled between three Australian defenders before unleashing a blast past Osipov to give the USA a 2-1 lead.
Defender Danny Barbir hit the crossbar in the 86th minute as the U.S. attempted to add an insurance goal, but Williams’ side held off for the victory.
Here’s a look at the USA and Australia lineups:
USA: 12-William Pulisic; 5-Hugo Arellano (14-Daniel Barbir, 46), 6-Eric Calvillo (capt.) (9-Alejandro Zendejas, 46), 11-Josh Perez (7-Haji Wright, 46), 13-Logan Panchot, 15-Tanner Dieterich, 16-Thomas McCabe, 17-McKinze Gaines (8-Luca de la Torre, 60), 18-Pierre Da Silva, 19-Tyler Adams, 20-Keegan Kelly (10-Christian Pulisic, 59)
Subs Not Used: 1-Kevin Silva; 2-Matthew Olosunde, 3-John Nelson, 4-Alexis Velela
Head Coach: Richie Williams
AUS: 12-Brandon Osipov; 2-Malcolm Ward, 5-Zac Speth, 6-Joe Caletti (capt.) (17-Nicholas Panetta, 50), 7-Daniel Maskin (22-Cameron Joice, 50), 8-Daniel Arzani (10-Jamie Dimitroff, 76), 9-Panos Armenakas (24-Marc Tokich, 70), 11-Peter Kekeris (15-Jackson Bandiera, 76), 16-Danny Kim (14-Solomon Monahan-Vaiika, 70), 20-Perry Fotakopoulos, 23-Kosta Petratos
Subs Not Used: 13-Christian Verbi, 18-James Delianov
Head Coach: Tony Vidmar
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What do you think of this result? Think that the USA’s depth is growing each match?
Share your thoughts below.
are these matches streamed? the match on friday against brazil could be awesome, or not. remember the beat down we put on them last year, and the humiliating display of poor sportsmanship from the brazil coaching staff? one of our players stood in place with his foot on the ball just inside our half for over three and half minutes while they brazilians stood there and bathed in the shame.
I remember this. I was shocked that a team would actually stop playing, especially a nation team. Very poor sportsmanship.
espeeeeeeeeecially a national team of Brazil…
That was a wonderful strike by De La Torre for the winner. He, Pulisic, Da Silva, Wright, and Barbir all have a chance to be special. A worrisome thing about the game was that the U.S. midfield gave up possession too cheaply, which led to Australia’s best chances; this unfortunately seems to be a systemic problem at every level, and needs to be cleaned up a lot for the U.S. to make any big leaps on the world stage. However, the counterattacking by this squad is outstanding, and there are some great individual talents in this group that people should be excited about.
The US started 7-9 different guys from the England match and there was a noticeable difference, but as the game wore on and the US subbed in the second half they took control of the match. De La Torre, Pulisic and Perez seem to be a cut above the rest. RE: Wright he seems awkward at times..he looks like a 17 year basketball player who is still trying to grow into his ownbody.
I agree about Wright, he is still quite raw, but the talent is obviously there. He has all the physical skills to be a premier player, he just needs the proper development. De La Torre, to me, is the gem of this group. He looks very, very promising.
For me, the gem has always been Christian Pulisic. Barring injuries, the kid is going to have a very fruitful career.
Him and De La Torre are fun to watch. Against Australia, Da Silva showed me a lot as well. All three are confident, skilled, and aggressive.