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U.S. U-17s lose to Colombia in final group match, fall to third place

The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team will have to take the more difficult route through the knockout stages of the U-17 World Cup.

After winning the first two games of group play, the U.S. fell, 3-1, to Colombia in Thursday’s Group A finale. With the loss, the U.S. and Colombia will both advance behind Ghana, who win the group. Colombia’s win vaults them to second while the U.S. falls all the way to third with the loss.

It took just three minutes for Colombia to open the scoring through Juan Vidal, leaving the U.S.a  bit shellshocked early. On a long throw-in, the U.S. defense failed to react to a ball that bounced in the box, allowing Vidal to pounce and score from close range in his first start.

George Acosta pulled the U.S. back before halftime, though, thanks to some help from Andrew Carleton. The Atlanta United playmaker drove towards the endline and centered a pass towards the penalty spot, and the cross eluded several Colombia defenders. It didn’t elude Acosta, though, who fired a first-time shot to pull the U.S. level.

Colombia’s winner came midway through the second half from Juan Sebastian Penaloza. The Colombian’s finish came from a tight-angle free kick, one he curled up and over Justin Garces for the eventual game-winner.

The South American nation fired an insurance goal late through Daiber Caicedo, who fired home on the backpost.

Garces made several saves in the second half while defender Jaylin Lindsey was the standout with a number of strong tackles. Up top, Josh Sargent was largely held in check as Colombia limited the U.S. attack.

That attack will need to get going heading into the knockout stage as the U.S. returns to action on Tuesday against either Iran or Germany.

Comments

  1. No way we’ll avoid elimination vs Iran or Paraguay. Sayonara, US babies!
    A lot is wrong with both the players and coaching in our senior and youth teams.
    We just don’t have the soccer culture to compete.

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  2. Interestingly, both the men’s and the boys fell due to sheer exhaustion. The boys from Columbia were still going strong at the end of the game but our players could barely move. Something wanting in conditioning players in both the adult and in the junior ranks. No inspiration no national pride. Deadly combo; leads to loosing games.

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  3. The last line of this article is incorrect where it says: “the U.S. returns to action on Tuesday against either Iran or Germany”. I suppose it is possible for the US to play Germany but currently Iran (on 6 points) has a 9 goal GD over them with a head-to-head win. No way Germany makes up 9 goals. Also, depending how the other 3rd place finishers end up, we could very likely play Paraguay.

    I didn’t go thru all the likelihoods as it’s too complex but the last line should have read: “the U.S. returns to action on either Monday against Paraguay or Tuesday against Iran (or Germany as a distant longshot)”.

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  4. Watched all 3 games and the common thread was: too many bad passes on attack, unforced turnovers, little to no service to the forwards, lousy attack in the final 1/3. I saw some guys that look very good but they are not playing consistent team soccer. The score today could have been far worse. There were defensive turnovers that put Columbia 1v1 on the goalie and he made saves. Point was.. poor passes

    If the USA doesnt fix these things… theyre gone next game… maybe 2 at best

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  5. Changes should have bene made… but in the end Facing either Paraguay or Iran is the likeliest outcome… Both teams that love to attack.. Paraguay scored 10 but conceded 5…. Iran has scored 7 in two games but only 2 of them in the first halves of matches.

    I think on takent alone the US will be the favored side… Just would have been nice to get 2 more days rest.

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  6. Another huge coaching blunder from USA. These kids were tired. Should have started with fresh legs. In quest to get top spot, we now face Germany or Iran on less rest. Same stupidity shown by Arena. Time for major overhaul.

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    • Actually likely Paraguay or Iran… Group will B will not have a 3rd finisher so we play winner of B or C… Iran would have to all but collapse to not finish top of the group.

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  7. A little disappointing. It’s not fair to these players, but I can’t help but read this loss in context of our program’s… how should I say this… broader challenges. Colombia played well, and their second goal was nice. Still, I can’t help but scrutinize the ball watching on the first foal, and I am dumbfounded by Hackworth failing to make timely subs. It looks like we’re still moving on to the next stage though. Something to look forward to.

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  8. Tough break that they dropped to third due to head-to-head tie breaker. But hopefully a valuable lesson that even a single goal can make a huge difference.

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