US Under 17 Women into World Cup Championship

US Under 17 Womens National Team defeated Germany 2-1 to advance to the Under 17 Womens World Cup Final being held in New Zealand.   It was a much anticipated semifinal as two of the world powers in womens soccer were matched. 

The Germans came out flying and put the US team under immense pressure in the opening minutes.  In just the 6th minute the Germans were rewarded as they cashed in a corner kick opportunity.  Dzsenifer Marozans played in the corner where Alexandra Popp powered her way to the ball before sending a bullet header into the USA’s net from six yards out.

At that point it looked like it might be the Germans day, but the Americans began to settle in and get their feet under them after the goal.  The Americans began to control the game from there and dominated the reminander of the first half.  Unfortunately the score remained 1-0 to Germany. 

The 2nd half would pick up where the first left off....more American possession and attack.  In the 63rd minute all the pressure paid off as sub Erika Tymrak ran at two German defenders down the right, creating space to be able to send a ball into the penalty area.  The floating cross flew over the Germany goalkeeper and dropped at the far post for Vicki DiMartino to play into the net from close range.

The dramatic winning goal would come for the US with only 9 minutes left to play.   American defender Amber Brooks found space in the center of the field about 45 yards from the German net. She fired a cannon shot that froze German goalkeeper Anna Sarholz as it clanged off the crossbar and bounced into the middle of the penalty area.   Midfielder Julia Roberts was first to the ball, but was unable to get a solid hit on it and the ball was swept away by a retreating Germany defender. The ball bounced fortuitously to Courtney Verloo, who pounded the ball home from six yard out to make it 2-1.

The US Under 17 Women will now face Korea DPR in the final on November 15th.