U.S. U17 Team Impresses Ahead of Knockouts at World Cup

The U17 World Cup has been a crucial stage for Sullivan, a product of the Philadelphia Union. A year ago, he was surrounded by immense hype, but his star has dimmed since then, with limited MLS appearances and only one start in the U.S. Open Cup. Mostly playing in MLS Next Pro, Sullivan entered the World Cup needing to demonstrate his quality and potential.

In the opening match against Burkina Faso, Sullivan came off the bench, sporting a new haircut and an assertive demeanor. His impact was immediate; the U.S. struggled until he scored a decisive Panenka penalty, leading to a 1-0 victory.

Sullivan continued to impress in the second game, starting from a deeper position. He scored one goal and assisted another in the U.S.’s 2-1 win over Tajikistan. In the subsequent match against Czechia, he nearly found the net again, contributing to another 1-0 win for the team. While it’s early in the tournament, Sullivan’s performances are encouraging.

In contrast, Albert, another promising player, entered the tournament as a wildcard. Although he has shown potential at Dortmund, he remains unrefined. Some coaches claim he is the top player in his age group, though expectations need to be tempered. After a slow start, during which he watched Sullivan score, Albert rebounded in the second match with a goal from a Sullivan assist. He truly shone in the third match, making an impressive run into the box and finishing with finesse, showcasing the athleticism and movement of the U.S. squad.

Defensively, the U.S. team has performed remarkably well, conceding only one goal and allowing just ten shots on target across three games. While they have yet to face a formidable attacking force, their ability to control possession has been evident. Captain Christopher Cupps has excelled as a one-on-one defender, providing stability at the back. Although tougher challenges lie ahead, the U.S. defense has been commendable thus far.

Historically, the U17 World Cup has posed challenges for the Americans, their best finish being fourth place in 1999. They have not reached the quarterfinals since 2017, making their current success noteworthy. This U.S. team is only the second in history to win all three group matches, a feat not achieved since 1991, prior to the U.S. establishing itself as a soccer power.

Looking ahead to their Round of 32 matchup against Morocco, the U.S. faces a formidable opponent that has bested them at various youth levels in recent years. The Atlas Lions eliminated the U.S. 4-0 in the 2024 Paris Olympics quarterfinal and defeated the U20s 3-1 last month. Historically, the U.S. has struggled against African teams, holding a 5-8-1 record.

However, this Moroccan team presents a different challenge. They have had a lackluster performance at the U17 World Cup, scraping through the group stage with only three points after losses to Portugal and Japan, before a convincing win against New Caledonia. With eight goals conceded, the U.S. may find an opportunity against a familiar adversary.