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Played
June 19, 2011 7:00 PM EDT
Estadio Nuevo Corona — Torreón
Referee: D. Abal
Attendance: 15083
June 19, 2011 7:00 PM EDT
Estadio Nuevo Corona — Torreón
Referee: D. Abal
Attendance: 15083
USA U-17 3-0 Czech Republic U-17: Americans brush aside European challengers
The U.S. kicked off its U-17 World Cup against the Czech Republic, with an impressive three goal victory over fellow group favorite.
By J.R. Eskilson
The U.S. opened the 2011 U17 World Cup with a sturdy performance in the blazing heat of Torreon, Mexico on Sunday. Led by goals from Alejandro Guido, Esteban Rodriguez, and Alfred Koroma the Americans knocked off Czech Republic 3-0 on the first day of Group D play.
The U.S. enjoyed a positive start to the game with the high pressure from the forward line that saw the Czech Republic defense gift the Americans with an easy give away 30 yards from goal. Guido, who picked up the ball after a heavy touch from a Czech defender, blasted a shot past Czech goalkeeper Lukas Zima to open his account at the event.
The Americans nearly let the magnificent goal go to waste though as they allowed the European side to control much of the ball in the first half with multiple goal scoring opportunities over the next 40 minutes.
The best chance for the Czech Republic came eight minutes before halftime when Patrik Svoboda beat his mark to the end line and sent a low cross to Lukas Julis. The 16-year-old forward’s awkwardly struck shot spun away from American keeper Kendall McIntosh, who had sprawled out anticipating the initial shot on frame.
However, McIntosh recovered beautifully with a second diving effort and his fingertips were just enough to prevent the topsy-turvy ball from trickling over the line. McIntosh would be called on two more times in the game to preserve the shutout, but neither effort required the athleticism and finger strength that his first save displayed.
The Yanks were happy to hear the halftime whistle shortly after their keepers heroics, as the Czech Republic forced the Stars and Stripes to chase the ball in the crushing heat for much of the half after Guido’s goal.
In the second stanza, Wilmer Cabrera’s squad regained control of the play with renewed energy. Captain Marc Pelosi nearly capitalized on the U.S.’s bright restart when he drilled shot from distance but it clanged off the crossbar.
The CONCACAF team would find the back of the net minutes later when Paul Arriola produced a touch of class against multiple defenders for a spectacular assist. The 16-year-old forward received a throw-in near the corner with a mark on his back and surrounded by two other defenders. Arriola turned his mark with a savvy move and sped past the chasing Czech defenders before setting up Rodriguez for an easy finish.
Substitute Koroma would grab the last goal of the game for the Yanks. A minute after coming on the field, Koroma found space in front of the Czech Republic defense where he turned with the ball, dribbled at pace, and ripped a shot past a diving Zima into the bottom right corner. The perfectly placed shot frustrated Zima after he was left with little chance to save any of the strikes from the Americans.
The comprehensive victory has the Americans tied for the top spot in Group D with New Zealand after the Kiwis won 4-1 over Uzbekistan earlier in the day. The Americans return to the field on Wednesday against the AFC representative, Uzbekistan.
Visit the U.S. national team page on Goal.com for more and join Goal.com's
page.
The U.S. enjoyed a positive start to the game with the high pressure from the forward line that saw the Czech Republic defense gift the Americans with an easy give away 30 yards from goal. Guido, who picked up the ball after a heavy touch from a Czech defender, blasted a shot past Czech goalkeeper Lukas Zima to open his account at the event.
The Americans nearly let the magnificent goal go to waste though as they allowed the European side to control much of the ball in the first half with multiple goal scoring opportunities over the next 40 minutes.
The best chance for the Czech Republic came eight minutes before halftime when Patrik Svoboda beat his mark to the end line and sent a low cross to Lukas Julis. The 16-year-old forward’s awkwardly struck shot spun away from American keeper Kendall McIntosh, who had sprawled out anticipating the initial shot on frame.
However, McIntosh recovered beautifully with a second diving effort and his fingertips were just enough to prevent the topsy-turvy ball from trickling over the line. McIntosh would be called on two more times in the game to preserve the shutout, but neither effort required the athleticism and finger strength that his first save displayed.
The Yanks were happy to hear the halftime whistle shortly after their keepers heroics, as the Czech Republic forced the Stars and Stripes to chase the ball in the crushing heat for much of the half after Guido’s goal.
In the second stanza, Wilmer Cabrera’s squad regained control of the play with renewed energy. Captain Marc Pelosi nearly capitalized on the U.S.’s bright restart when he drilled shot from distance but it clanged off the crossbar.
The CONCACAF team would find the back of the net minutes later when Paul Arriola produced a touch of class against multiple defenders for a spectacular assist. The 16-year-old forward received a throw-in near the corner with a mark on his back and surrounded by two other defenders. Arriola turned his mark with a savvy move and sped past the chasing Czech defenders before setting up Rodriguez for an easy finish.
Substitute Koroma would grab the last goal of the game for the Yanks. A minute after coming on the field, Koroma found space in front of the Czech Republic defense where he turned with the ball, dribbled at pace, and ripped a shot past a diving Zima into the bottom right corner. The perfectly placed shot frustrated Zima after he was left with little chance to save any of the strikes from the Americans.
The comprehensive victory has the Americans tied for the top spot in Group D with New Zealand after the Kiwis won 4-1 over Uzbekistan earlier in the day. The Americans return to the field on Wednesday against the AFC representative, Uzbekistan.
Visit the U.S. national team page on Goal.com for more and join Goal.com's
page.
Goal
Own Goal
Penalty
Penalty Missed
Yellow Card
Assist
Penalty Save
Penalty Shootout Goal
Penalty Shootout Miss
Yellow Card / Red Card
Red Card
Substitution IN
Substitution OUT
Injury
Goal.com Rating
Goal.com Man of the Match
Goal.com Flop of the Match
Top & Flop Global Ranking
Fans' Man of the Match
Fans' Flop of the Match