DOHA, Qatar—The Unites States Men’s U-17 squad returned to action in the second of three first-round matches in the group stage of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, taking on Tajikistan, who had fallen 6-1 to Czechia in their opening match, while the US had defeated Burkina Faso 1-0. The match saw the Americans having the majority of possession and outshooting their opponent 18-2 after rebounding from an early mistake.
After scoring the game-winning goal against Burkina Faso on Wednesday where he came off the bench, midfielder Cavan Sullivan got the start and continued to shine brightly. Two of his fellow Philadelphia teammates, Kellan LeBlanc and Jamir Johnson began the match on the bench, while Jordan Griffin did not dress for the match. Per US Soccer, he, along with Julian Hall, Jack Kortkamp and Cooper Sanchez, were out with illness. The rest of the lineup saw a few changes from Gonzalo Segares from the previous match, and in addition to Sullivan starting, Luca Moisa, Mateo Tsakiris, and Chase Adams made the starting eleven.
The US got off to a rocky start as they gave up a goal in the 3rd minute to Tajikistan’s Muhammad Nazriev. After seeming a little complacent in the beginning, the US attack got going and dominated possession for much of the first half, and that goal would be the only shot on target Tajikistan would get, and only one of two total. After some chances against a compact defense, the US finally got their equalizer off a corner by Sullivan, scored by Charlotte FC’s Nimfasha Berchimas on a header.
It seemed the Americans had found their go-ahead goal in the 43rd minute when Sullivan sent a fantastic cross to Chase Adams, who sent it home, however it was ruled offside after review. Adams nearly scored two minutes later on a great header that was saved. Tajikistan impressively defended a barrage of shots, including a goal line clearance by a defender, and somehow kept the ball out of the net.
As the first half stoppage time was winding down, a possible handball in the box was reviewed, but Gio Villa’s arm was deemed to be in a natural position and no penalty was awarded. The teams ended the half still tied 1-1.
The US came out strong with some early chances in the second half, and another possible handball review came, this time against Tajikistan, but it was ruled not a penalty. More chances came for the US, but that second goal kept eluding them—until Berchimas was taken down in the box, and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. After a video review, the penalty was confirmed and Sullivan converted on a panenka in the 61st minute for his second goal of the tournament, and third goal contribution.
Jamir Johnson subbed on in the 71st minute for Mathis Albert, along with Enrique Martinez for Ramiz Hamouda. Johnson nearly made an instant impact when he curled a shot that hit the crossbar. This marked his first appearance in the U-17 World Cup.
Sullivan nearly had a brace on a header in the 80th minute, but was ruled offside. Philadelphia Union had a few minutes where three of their four squad members were on the field together when Kellan LeBlanc subbed on for his second appearance of the tournament in the 83rd minute, replacing Berchimas.
Sullivan left the match in favor of Máximo Carrizo in the 87th minute, and the Americans battled a Tajikistan side that found some new life late in the match. Seven minutes of stoppage time ensued, with the US looking to put the match on ice. Though there were some late pushes by Tajikistan, the Americans held off their opponent, taking the 2-1 victory and advancing to the Round of 32. They will finish out the group stage against Czechia on Tuesday at 9:45 AM ET (FS2, Universo, Peacock) with a chance to take the top spot in Group I with a win or a draw.
Main article photo credit: MLS Next
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