DOHA, Qatar—The United States U-17 Men’s National Team opened their FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign by defeating Burkina Faso 1-0 in their first group stage match, with Cavan Sullivan scoring the game winner in the 79th minute. The Philadelphia Union homegrown midfielder had subbed on in the 62nd minute after starting the match on the bench.

Sullivan had joined the squad late as he stayed with the Union for their first two playoff games, so coming off the bench was unsurprising. It was a back-and-forth affair for much of the match, with the West African nation missing some huge chances, but the USA also had a few of their own. Both teams were defending well, and USA/New York Red Bulls keeper Aidan Stokes made some impressive saves. It was a bit of a stalemate with the USA opting for possession and Burkina Faso was going for the counterattack.

The first substitution for the US proved to be a great spark of energy when Sullivan replaced Jude Terry. As regulation was waning, Mathis Albert sent a cross from the left toward Julian Hall, who missed the ball, but landed perfectly for Sullivan. He slotted it under the keeper, Rahim Ouattara, and into the net from just inside the 6-yard box.

The defense held strong despite the pressure coming from Burkina Faso, and in the end the USA managed to keep the clean sheet and secure the victory despite being outshot 16-9. The lineup was bolstered by the substitution of Philadelphia Union II midfielder Kellan LeBlanc in the 85th minute for Nimfasha Berchimas. LeBlanc did a quality job during his limited time on the pitch. Union Academy players Jamir Johnson and Jordan Griffin were unused substitutes for the match.

The USA will next face Tajikistan, who fell to 6-1 to Czechia, on Saturday, November 8 at 9:45 AM ET and can be viewed on FS2, Telemundo, and Peacock.

Main article photo credit: FIFA/Peacock.