US Under 17s fall to Spain at U17 World Cup

The first half was everything you would have expected from a pair of the big boys at the Under 17 World Cup.  It started from the opening minute when Jack McInerney got behind the Spain defense and was dragged down by Sergi Gomez just outside the box.  A straight red was the result and Spain were down to 10 men right off the bat.  Just three minutes later the US would be on the board when Marlon Duran put a high ball into the penalty area that the keeper didn't handle leaving Jack McInerney for an easy touch in.

Spain would not be outdone though as they set about working their way back into the match.  Soon enough they found the equalizer when they attacked down the left side.  US captain Jared Watts hesitated and raised his hand for offside rather than track back.  The ball was played square into the onrushing Borja who finished past US keeper Earl Edwards.

Spain went ahead minutes later.  After a prolonged period of US attack, a long keeper punt was misplayed by Jared Watts allowing borja to get on the ball.  Borja sent a perfact ball to the US backpost where Pablo Sarabia was running.  Sarabia brought the ball down and rifled a tight angled shot past Earl Edwards.

Stefan Jerome had a perfect opportunity to draw the Americans level before halftime being released on a clear breakaway.  Instead of shooting Jerome tried to round the keeper and had a heavy touch never even getting a shot off on the play.

The second half was mostly one way traffic as Spain sat back and dared the Americans to try and break them down.  Two long delays when lights went out and several stoppages from Spanish players faking injuries resulted in a whopping 14 minutes of extra time.

Victor Chavez had the best second half chance for the US when Luis Gil sprang him one v one with the keeper who saved with his right hand.  Luis Gil had a good shot in stoppage time from the top of the box but his drive went straight to the keeper.  In the end Spain held on 2-1 and the US has to look forward to regrouping for games with Malawi and UAE.  For the match the US outshot Spain 14-8.