By DAN KARELL
The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team came crashing down to earth on Wednesday evening.
After winning their first two matches in the Nike International Friendlies, the U.S. came up against a brick wall in Brazil’s U-17 squad, who thrashed the USA, 4-1, to take the Nike Friendlies crown. The U.S. finished runners-up in the process, unable to defend their title from a year ago.
Brazil took an early lead in the 14th minute, when playmaking midfielder Lincoln found Evander streaking into the box. Lincoln played a back-heel pass towards the run of Evander, who finished nicely past U.S. goalkeeper Kevin Silva.
The U.S. responded eight minutes later, largely thanks to the brilliance of Haji Wright. The U-17 forward ran onto a long cross from Tyler Adams and swerved past three defenders with a mix of speed and skill before crossing to Pulisic in the goal-mouth, who tapped home.
That was about as close as the U.S. would come all evening though as Evander scored his second goal of the match in the 42nd minute, a brilliant curving free kick that Silva couldn’t get a hand to.
After Evander’s pair, it was Andrey’s turn to score, as he bagged a pair of goals of his own. In the 62nd minute, a poor pass from Silva gave the ball right to Brazil in their attacking third, and they had numbers on the break. Evander found Andrey outside the box, and the forward’s shot took a deflection before sliding past Silva.
Eight minutes later, Evander found Andrey again and with no defenders in front of him, Andrey spun away from his first challenge and headed towards goal before ripping a blast to make it 4-1.
It was the third win of the year for Brazil’s U-17s over the USA, after first beating the U.S. at the Copa Mexico de Naciones in August, 2-0, and then winning in the Copa Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins, 4-3.
Here’s a look at the lineups from the match:
USA: 1-Kevin Silva; 19-Tyler Adams, 4-Alexis Velela (15-Tanner Dieterich, 81), 14-Daniel Barbir, 3-John Nelson; 6-Eric Calvillo (capt.) (17-McKinze Gaines, 64), 8-Luca de la Torre, 10-Christian Pulisic, 11-Josh Perez (2-Matthew Olosunde, 52); 7-Haji Wright (18-Pierre Da Silva, 81), 9-Alejandro Zendejas
Subs Not Used: 5-Hugo Arellano, 12-William Pulisic, 13-Logan Panchot, 16-Thomas McCabe, 20-Keegan Kelly
Head coach: Richie Williams
BRA: 1-Bruno (capt.) (12-Carlinhos, 90); 2-Kleber, 14-Thiago, 4-Leo, 6-Caique (13-Alan, 84); 7-Andrey (18-Jean, 90), 15-Renan, 17-Lincoln, 8-Matheus Pereira (5-Matheus Fernandes, 85), 19-Evander, 10-Leandro (11-Ramon, 60)
Subs Not Used: 3-Ronaldo, 9-Eronildo, 16-Mauro Junior, 20-Loran
Head coach: Caio Zanardi
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What do you think of this result? What do you take away from this tournament?
Share your thoughts below.
shocking defending and the midfield couldn’t control anything. there was a good span from the time of the US goal to about the 40th, but that’s it. never seen this team try that many long balls before.
IMO Pulisic has the highest ceiling on that team. He has a skill set that lends itself to success at the higher levels…reads the game quickly, makes great decisions, with high end pace and finishing ability. Probably the most comparable set of attributes to LD in the pipeline. Hopefully he dodges major injury and can reach his full potential.
Haji is on a team… playing in Europe. The WC qualifiers are end of Feb through Mid March I believe.
Can we just bring Haji Wright up to the big team now?
Wright first needs to prove himself at U20 and U23 level. There is a big gap between U17 team and the national team.
Too bad nobody ever said that about Julian Green. But agree that it’s time to bring both Pulisic and Wright into the U20 and U23 set up.
Too bad Green came up through Bayern Munich’s elite ranks, not LA Galaxy’s. And too bad one of the world’s best coaches has praised Green, who’s now playing in Bundesliga.
Too bad Green actually has a team, unlike Wright.
Apples and oranges. Hagi is very exciting, but there have been a TON of youth strikers who excel at a young age but never bring it to the professionals. I’ll hold my breath for a few more years.
True, there are a ton of youth strikers who do well at a young age – like Julian Green. This is what I’ve been saying all along – let’s wait until he actually does something before getting excited. And no, 15 good minutes against Belgium, is not enough.
Yeah, Green is a full professional. If he turns into a top tier one is a different matter. He is far enough along that even as a flop he will have a career in the 2nd Bundesliga.
On whole, I’m pretty impressed with u-17s. They do pretty well. When is the u17 wc coming up?