US Under 17s romp over Mexico U17s 4-1

The US Under 17s romped over the Mexico U17s today winning 4-1 in Tampa, Florida behind a pair of goals from Kellen Gulley and a goal from captain Marc Pelosi.  The opening of the match would not dictate the final result as the Mexico Under 17s opened brightly putting the young Americans on the defensive.  The US was forced to sit back and look long in the opening 15 minutes while Mexico was on the front foot.

It wasn't long after that the US Under17s would start to settle in and get into the match.  In the 23rd minute Alejandro Guido had a golden opportunity from in tight but was unable to finish.  Just two minutes later a Mexican mistake would lead to the opening goal.  A poor backpass was intercepted by Kellen Gulley who went round the Mexican keeper and slotted into the empty net.

Mexico was clearly unhappy giving up the soft goal and came hard after the restart firing a couple of shots, but once again it was to be the Americans striking.  This time a nice turn in the penalty area by Kellen Gulley forced a Mexico defender to drag him down.  The referee wasted no time in awarding the penalty.  Alejandro Guido stepped up and calmly finished the spot kick leaving the US Under 17s with a 2-0 halftime advantage.

The second half saw Mexico pushing to get back into the match and in the 51st minute they found their lifeline cutting the lead to 2-1.  Casillas was pulled down inside the US penalty area and Mexico earned a penalty kick which Jorge Espericueta knocked home.

The Americans were not flustered though as they answered right back.  Only three minutes after the Mexico goal the US were back up 3-1.  Kellen Gulley notched his second goal on the day as he outmuscled a Mexican defender and slotted the ball home.

Mexico were clearly dejected after going back down by two so soon and the US was ready to put the match away.  In the 70th they did just that as captain Marc Pelosi touched home after a weaving run from Takuya Okada left him with a simple finish.  A frustrated Mexico side could not break down the resolute US defense and all that was left was a late red card to Mexico's Enrique Flores. 
US Under 17s 4  Mexico Under 17s 1