US Under 17s defeat Brazil 2-0 at Nike Friendlies

The US U17s defeated Brazil 2-0 at the Development Academy Nike Friendlies on Saturday, behind goals from Midfielder Carlos Martinez and Forward Stefan Jerome. Martinez’s well-taken goal, his second of the tournament, was assisted by Joseph-Michael Gyau. The midfielders combined in the 27th minute, with Gyau crossing for Martinez to flick the ball with his right foot past the helpless Brazilian goalie.

Jerome’s 80th minute strike came from the penalty spot, and all but ended the Brazilians’ attempts to come back into the game. The goal was Jerome’s second of the tournament as well, after both he and Martinez found themselves on the scoresheet in Thursday’s 2-0 win over Russia.   After the score went 2-0 the Brazilians lost their composure as they were putting in hard tackles and questioning the officiating at every chance.  The result was two red cards.

Goalkeeper Earl Edwards contributed ten saves to today’s winning effort, as Wilmer Cabrera’s young team staved off the Brazilians to earn the U.S.’first ever win over the South Americans at the Nike Friendlies.