Today’s heroes in Guatemala are looking set to be tomorrow’s golden boys. The U-17 USMNT is in the midst of its Concacaf Championship campaign and has gotten off to about as good of a start as possible. Saturday’s comprehensive 5-0 drubbing of Barbados was followed by another dominant performance and a 3-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago on Monday night.
GOAALL
ICYMI: Micah Burton scores the opening goal for the @USYNT pic.twitter.com/CHeZq0bdjC— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 14, 2023
Despite heavy squad rotation, Gonzalo Segares’ side jumped to an early lead against Trinidad through Austin FC’s Micah Burton before adding two more in quick succession. Paulo Rudisill, who plays in the LA Galaxy’s academy, tapped in the second from close range while the third came courtesy of Columbus Crew midfielder Taha Habroune’s quick footwork inside the six-yard box. The latter has now scored in consecutive games and is making a great case to start in Wednesday’s date with Canada.
THE #U17MYNT ARE
Paulo Rudisill makes it two for the @USYNT! pic.twitter.com/UHork25dyX— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 14, 2023
DON'T SLEEP ON 'EM
Taha Habroune is putting this game to bed as the @USYNT lead 3-0! pic.twitter.com/1UTWyJ54HR— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 14, 2023
Trinidad’s late goal added some tension after the United States seemed to take its foot off the gas, but late substitutions ensured a comeback was never in the cards. While the early flurry of goals proved to be the difference on Monday, the United States had struggled to find the net until late in the match against Bermuda.
Abra-Cruz-dabra
Quakes Academy product Cruz Medina completed a hat-trick for the United States in Saturday’s 5-0 victory vs. Barbados.: @usynt : @foxsoccer pic.twitter.com/xYI32hyxYp
— MLS NEXT (@MLSNEXT) February 13, 2023
San Jose Earthquakes youngster Cruz Medina grabbed the headlines with a hattrick, while Habroune and Liverpool’s Keyrol Figueroa bagged the other two. Defensively, the Americans kept Bermuda to just two shots but looked a bit more vulnerable on the counter against Trinidad.
This tournament has potentially huge ramifications as the top four sides automatically qualify for U-17 FIFA World Cup in late 2023. If the United States wins its group, it will face the Dominican Republic in the Round of 16, making its route to the semi-finals significantly easier, while a loss to Canada would create a matchup against the third-place side from Group H.
