After a promising start, the US U-17 National Team is in a tough spot. The Americans opened the 2011 U-17 World Cup with a satisfying 3-0 win against the Czech Republic before it was wiped out by an embarrassing 2-1 loss to Uzbekistan. On June 25, the Americans squared off against New Zealand, needing a win to clinch the group earning themselves a date with Australia, a manageable task in pursuit of returning to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2005.
The Americans bested the Kiwis in nearly every offensive statistic imaginable except goals scored. The match ended with a disappointing 0-0 score, meaning the US finished second in Group D, pitting the Americans against Germany in the round of 16 on June 30.
Perhaps even more dissatisfying than the scoreless draw is captain Marc Pelosi was sent off with a soft second yellow, meaning the Roma target will miss the match against the Germans.
Breaking the recent trend of losses in the round of 16 at the World Cup will be anything but easy for the Americans. Germany holds the tournament's best goal differential by six goals at +10, making them an early favorite to win the tournament. The Germans were drawn an easier group than other top seeds, playing Panama, Ecuador and Burkina Faso in Group E play, but they dismantled their opponents in style with a 6-1 win over Ecuador, a 3-0 win over Burkina Faso, and a nearly meaningless 2-0 win over Panama, having already clinched the group.
The Germans will be led in attack by Samed Yesil, a Turkish-German forward who has averaged a goal for every appearance in a German U-17 shirt. With the tournament's most potent offense, the Germans will give the already suspect American back line all they can handle.
The quarterfinals are by no means out of reach for the US U-17s, but they'll have to return to the quality of the match against the Czechs and then some in addition to moving on from the disappointing play against Uzbekistan and New Zealand.
The match is at 4PM EST on June 30 and will be available on ESPN3
Penalty Kicks:
-18 year old defensive midfielder Will Packwood has signed a two year professional contract with Birmingham City after spending a few years on their youth teams, occasionally featuring in the reserves.
-Winger Joe Gyau has been impressing in pre-season training at Hoffenheim, earning himself a 90 minute appearance in the squad's first pre-season friendly.
-1860 Munich forward Bobby Wood scored in 1860's pre-season victory over Sparta Prague
