US earns passage at Under 17 World Cup

With a 1-0 win over United Arab Emirates the US Under 17s booked passage from the group stages at the Under 17 World Cup in Nigeria.  It was their most complete effort thus far as the Americans held plenty of possession, defended very well and created numerous chances on the afternoon.  If not for some wonderful goalkeeping from the UAE and a few pedestrian finishes the match should have gone 3-4-5 to zero.

Jack McInerney, Luis Gil, Stefan Jerome and Alex Shinsky gave the Emirates fits all day long making solid runs and playing probing balls.  The UAE keeper made several top class saves to keep the match within reach. 

The US broke through in the 35th minute when Luis Gil played a nice square ball at the top of the penalty area setting up Nick Palodichuk for a quick strike.  The keeper saved but Jack McInerney swooped in to put home the loose ball.  The Americans created several more quality chances before the half as the goal spurred them forward, but none would find the net.

The 2nd half saw the US control loads of the ball and the UAE rarely cause much trouble in the US half.  A dominating performance other than the 1-0 final score.  Bottom line though, mission accomplished and the US Under 17s are into the second round finishing 2nd in Group E to Spain.  The US will likely face Italy in the next round of play on Wednesday.