Teenager Josh Sargent delivers impressive brace as U.S. YNT beats Mexico

The teenager was able to use an wide array of skills to score a pair of goals as the youth national team defeated its rivals

The United States under-17 side scored an important win over Mexico on Wednesday and largely has Josh Sargent to thank for that victory.

The 17-year-old attacker and team captain got his side on the board in the 26th minute. With his side down 1-0. Sargent, whose MLS rights are held by Sporting KC if he wishes to sign with the league, took a long ball and was able to beat his defender with a deft flick, before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to level the score.

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Sargent’s second goal involved a bit less skill, but impressive perseverance, as he continued to battle until finally putting his shot into the goal to give the U.S. a 2-1 advantage in the contest.

For your halftime enjoyment, @_joshsargent_ finishes what he started to secure his brace. pic.twitter.com/DNzJO53pwE

— U.S. Soccer YNT (@ussoccer_ynt) April 26, 2017

Though Mexico went onto equalize before the half, second-half tallies from Blaine Ferri and Ayo Akinola were enough to give the U.S. a 4-3 victory. Sargent picked up the assist on Akinola’s goal, which proved to be the winner.

The U.S., led by former Philadelphia Union coach John Hackworth, now has two wins from its first two games and has advanced to the next round of the CONCACAF Championships as a result. The teams are battling for qualification for the Under-17 World Cup.

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