US U17s slip by Malawi at Under 17 World Cup

The US Under 17s were hoping for a more emphatic statement on Thursday against Malawi at the Under 17 World Cup in Nigeria.  Instead they needed a goalkeeping mistake to slip by the African side 1-0.

The US came out flying looking to put Malawi under pressure right from the opening whistle.  The Americans were rewarded with several corner kicks early on one of which Jack McInerney headed on frame forcing Seengwa into a wonderful save.  After that the match settled a bit with the US dominating possession and Malawi looking for the quick counter.

On Monday it was the finish that was lacking for the Americans as they produced several golden opportunities against Spain.  This time it wasn't the finish that was lacking, it was the final ball.  The US had possession in the Malawi end most of the game, but just were never able to produce that probing pass to break down the Africans.

The US would finally break through after the break.  Following a close miss from Jack McInerney, the Americans would put the ball back into the Malawi box where a partial clearance fell to Alex Shinsky who fired a volley on goal.  The ball was right at Malawi keeper Seengwa who somehow allowed the ball to slip through his legs and roll into the net.

The Americans would push less after getting the goal.  More satisfied to keep the ball for long stretches.  Malawi could have been much more dangerous but lack of discipline cost the side many times over the course of the game as they wracked up a ridiculous 18 offside infractions.

"It was a tough, difficult game," said Wilmer Cabrera, the US coach. "For us it was very important to improve in two areas, especially defensively. We needed to come back after what happened in the last game against Spain. We're still working on finishing, but one was good enough to win the game."

The win puts the US to three points in Group E along with Spain and UAE who play this evening.  The Americans will face UAE in their final group match at the Under 17 World Cup.