The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team got off to a hot start at the Nike International Friendlies.
Josh Sargent scored a hat-trick and Andrew Carleton had a brace as the U.S. U-17s destroyed Portugal, 7-1, on Wednesday night.
Carleton opened the scoring on eight minutes on a penalty, with Sargent doubling the advantage shortly thereafter. Portugal’s Umaro Embalo halved his team’s deficit almost right after the Americans’ second goal, but Carleton’s thunderous half-volley gave the U.S. a 3-1 lead at halftime.
Sargent made it 4-1 to begin the second interval before he completed his hat trick with a nifty back heel in the 82nd minute. Ayo Akinola and Rayshaun McGann each struck to seal the mammoth 7-1 victory.
The U.S. is now at the top of table, edging out Brazil on goal difference. The U-17s will face Turkey in their next match on Friday.