Facing off with the competition’s reigning champions, the U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team suffered a major setback in the first game of the Under-17 World Cup.
The U.S. was defeated in the opening game of Group A play, falling, 2-0, to defending champions Nigeria at the National Stadium in Santiago, Chile. In addition to the result, a late-game red card to centerback Auston Trusty furthered the U.S. frustrations in the team’s tournament opener.
Trusty’s day turned sour prior to the red card, as the centerback was punished for a mishit clearance in the box in the 50th minute. Nigeria’s Chukwudi Agor was there to take advantage, finishing from close range for the game’s first goal.
Nigeria’s second came 11 minutes later as the reigning champions pounced on a U.S. goal kick. Headed on from the midfield, Victor Osimhen pounced on the ball and drove at goal, weaving around the U.S. defense before firing a shot past goalkeeper William Pulisic.
Starting a lineup without expected starters in Luca de la Torre and Daniel Barbir, the U.S. appeared plenty capable of playing with the 2013 winners in the opening half. Midfielder Christian Pulisic looked especially dangerous in the opening half via a 12th minute cross before a ball in for Haji Wright two minutes later was hit over the crossbar.
However, Nigeria proved to be the more dangerous team as the game wore on, with a William Pulisic double-save in the 93rd minute limiting the damage as the U.S. settled for defeat.
Following the loss, the U.S. returns to action against Croatia on Tuesday afternoon, while Nigeria looks to build on the victory in a clash with hosts Chile in Tuesday’s nightcap.