The attacking trio for the U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team impressed again in the Nike International Friendlies, but a pair of forwards were particularly impactful.
Atlanta United’s Andrew Carleton and Toronto FC’s Ayo Akinola both had braces, Timothy Weah added another goal, and the U.S. U-17s defeated Turkey 5-1 on Friday night.
Turkey opened the scoring after just five minutes through Recep Gul, but Josh Sargent managed to set up Carleton after Akinola’s cross to level the match at 1-1 shortly thereafter. The Atlanta United youngster gave the U.S. the lead on the stroke of halftime after a defensive mishap from the Turks.
Sargent played the role of provider again in the second half as he assisted Akinola for his first goal. The 16-year-old completed his brace a few minutes later thanks to a brilliant run and composed finish. Weah rounded off the scoring right before the full-time whistle.
The U.S. has won both of its games thus far and will face Brazil in its final match on Sunday.
see!!! kinsman was right all along!!!!
In 2016, this team is 18-4-6 with most of the losses coming early in the year, the big exception was a 6-3 drubbing by Mexico in Mexico. The team looked unstoppable against Turkey and Portugal, teams the had lost to and tied earlier in the year. I thought the US looked thoroughly dominant, but were a bit inattentive on the defensive end, something that could give up goals to better attacking teams. Still, such a dominant and skillful performance by the forwards and midfielders is something the US has been lacking since Donavon and Beasley were on the U-17s. I believe all the members of this roster are eligible for the U-17 WC in 2017.
12-2 aggregate against two teams from major European countries is rather incredible. It seems to me that the significance of this cannot be overstated.
Actually 14-2, but who’s counting at that point.
Pretty sure a 7-1 win over Portugal and this 5-1 defeat of Turkey puts us squarely at 12-2, which is what was stated by Gary.
Lots to get excited about. We need it. At least I do after this year.
The Nike Friendlies of 2013 weren’t far off. We started off the tournament 9-2 vs Brazil and England. I remember that Brazil game in particular was quite the showing.