The U.S. Under-17 men’s national team made it two group stage victories out of two so far at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia.
Liverpool’s Keyrol Figueroa and Charlotte FC’s Nimfasha Berchimas both scored before halftime as Gonzalo Segares’ squad defeated Burkina Faso 2-1 on Wednesday morning. Colorado Rapids shot-stopper Adam Beaudry registered five saves to help close out the victory.
“I was really happy to get a goal today and to help the team,” Figueroa said postmatch. “Especially against a team like that because it was a tough match, but I am so happy to get the goal and for us to get the win.”
Arouna Ouattara and Peyton Miller both traded offensive opportunities early in the first half with neither player able to find the back of the net.
However, it was the Americans who would break the deadlock and add a second goal in quick succession before halftime. Figueroa’s close-range finish off of a Paulo Rudisill pass helped the USMNT U-17’s take a 1-0 lead in the 45th minute.
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Berchimas would double the Americans lead before halftime as the 15-year-old stroked home a right-footed shot into the bottom-right corner. It marked Berchimas’ third goal of the tournament.
https://x.com/USYNT/status/1724729292691489189?s=20
Burkina Faso began upping its offensive pressure in the second half, but Beaudry was up to the task on several occasions. Souleymane Alio and Ousmane Camara were repelled by the MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Year finalist while Rachide Ouédraogo also witnessed the same conclusion on his long-range shot.
Jack Diarra gave Burkina Faso a late lifeline in the 89th minute, but Burkina Faso couldn’t find a tying goal in stoppage time.
Stuart Hawkins, Tyler Hall, Oscar Verhoeven, Rudisill and Miller were the five outfield players to all go the distance in Segares’ starting lineup.
“Very proud of the boys to get the two goals and for us to get the win,” Beaudry said. “I always like action-packed matches and being able to help in a match like this is something I really like doing. Credit to all of the defenders too for blocking a lot of shots in front of me tonight.”
The USMNT U-17’s will aim for a clean sweep in group stage play on Saturday when it faces France.
Where did you’ll watch this match?
I haven’t watched but I think they’ve been on FS1 or FS2
4am Eastern was the start time of this match. I forgot to dvr it, today/ this morn. 2-0 in the group stage isn’t a bad thing. Up next is Les Bleus
Hope to see a bit more offensive output. They are dominating possession, but lacking shots on goal. But with that said they are into the round of 16. Many predicted they would squeak in as a third place team.
Either if we finish 1st or 2nd in the group our likely opponents are either Argentina or Germany in the round of 16. Very difficult round of 16 game.