Jordan Griffin, Jamir Johnson, and Kellan LeBlanc make a splash on the international stage
Alajuela, Costa Rica – On Saturday evening in Costa Rica, the United States Under 17 Men’s National Team clinched a berth in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, which is set for November 2025. In the group stage, USA concluded their campaign by defeating Cuba 2-0 and finishing with a goal differential of an astounding 31-0. Most of that came from a 22-0 win over the U.S Virgin Islands on February 10. They also bested St. Kitts and Nevis 7-0 on February 12.
Three Philadelphia Union Academy players featured, all of whom have appeared with Philadelphia Union II. In 2024, defender Jordan Griffin played a total of 30 minutes in two matches for Union II, both off the bench. Forward Jamir Johnson appeared in nine matches (two starts) and had 231 minutes. Midfielder Kellan LeBlanc had a bit of a breakout season with Union II, including a brace versus Toronto FC II in August 2024 which earned him MLS Next Pro Rising Star of the Matchweek. He played in 12 matches (three starts) for 339 minutes.
The United States opened up play in dominating fashion, besting the US Virgin Islands 22-0 on February 10. According to US Soccer’s match report, “The margin of victory marked the most goals ever scored by a U.S. team in World Cup Qualifying at any level, while forward Chase Adams’ 10 goals set a record for most goals by any U.S. Soccer player in a World Cup qualifying match at any level.” All three Philadelphia players came off the bench. In the 77′, Johnson assisted Chase Adams, and then two minutes later added his own goal courtesy of a Griffin assist. Not to be left out, LeBlanc netted the 22nd goal of the evening for the United States in the 86′.
On February 12, the US took on St. Kitts and Nevis and were victorious with a 7-0 final score. All three Union players started the match, with LeBlanc and Griffin playing the entire match. LeBlanc provided an assist in the 69′ on one of Tanner Rosborough’s four goals.
In the match versus Cuba, Johnson started and provided an assist on Maximo Carrizo’s goal in the 31′. Kellan LeBlanc subbed on in the 85′ and was the recipient of a dangerous tackle from behind that resulted in Cuba’s Jennier Batista being sent off with a straight red card. Griffin did not feature.
The United States U-17 Men have now qualified for a record 19th time for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which leads all other nations. The Philadelphia trio return home to preseason training and it remains to be seen what sort of roles they may play with Union II this season. After the strong play with the national team, they will be a few to keep an eye on.
Main article photo credit: US Soccer
For Additional Content on Kellan and Jamir:
The One Team We Agree On 
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