US Under 17 Women Advance at U17 World Cup

The US Under 17 Womens National Team fought off a determined team from France earning a 1-1 draw and a spot in the quarterfinals of the Under 17 Womens World Cup.   The Americans took 2nd place in Group C and will face Korea Republic in a quarterfinal match on Sunday in Hamilton, New Zealand.

France had to win the match to secure advancement while the US women only needed a draw.  After a scoreless first half American forward Vicki DiMartino scored the crucial goal in the 57th minute on a brilliant from just inside the penalty area.  DiMartino took a short pass from Courtney Verloo and hit a right-footed shot that flew over French keeper Laetitia Philippe, skimming off the crossbar and into the right side netting.

The spectacular goal finished off an impressive period of American pressure. After coming out strong in the second half, the goal put France in the precarious position of having to score twice in the final half hour to keep their World Cup dreams alive. 

France did manage one goal, a spectacular long strike from Lea Rubio in the 72nd minute that found the top right corner over keeper Taylor Vancil, who played a splendid match in the nets, making eleven saves.   The final part of the match saw desparate attacking from the French, stoic defense from the Americans and several American counter-attacks that almost earned a winner.

Under 17 Womens World Cup quarterfinals:
USA - Korea Republic
Canada - Germany
Japan - England
Denmark - Korea DPR