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USA vs. Chile, 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup: Final score 1-4, Americans eliminated

By Rob Usry
Mike Carlson/Getty Images

The United States under-17 National Team has been eliminated from the World Cup after losing to Chile, 4-1. A talented team that just never gelled as one will go home with just one point in three matches.

The U.S. got off to a strong start against the host country and didn't look at all bothered by the home crowd. They were able to get the scoring started just 10 minutes into the match as Brandon Vazquez got around a defender with a toe poke, and finished nicely past the Chile goalkeeper.

After the goal Chile took control of the game and didn't waste much time in finding an equalizer. Marcelo Allende's deflected shot from just inside the 18-yard box found its way past Will Pulisic to bring the score level after 20 minutes.

It was very much a back and forth first half with both sides creating chances with their attacking play but looking susceptible on the defensive side. Neither team was able to finish off another chance and pull ahead before the halftime break.

Chile came out on the front foot and pulled into the lead six minutes into the second half thanks to more horrific defending and a missed call by the referee. Gabriel Mazuela was played in on goal only to be thwarted by Pulisic, but the loose ball was pushed away from the keeper's grasp by the Chilean attacker's hand and put into the gaping net. A controversial way for the U.S. to fall behind in an important game.

Needing to kill the game off, Chile U-17's began diving and rolling around on the ground any chance they got. The Americans weren't happy with this and picked up a few yellow cards reacting to the gamesmanship.

As time ticked down, the U.S. pushed numbers forward needing two goals to win. With spaces opening up at the back Chile took advantage and finished the game off in the 86th minute. Gonzalo Jara's brilliantly-struck left-footed curler into the top net made it 3-1.

Chile would add one more in second half stoppage time to pile on to the American's humiliation.

USA Lineup

Quick Thoughts

  • Overall from a results perspective it will not be a pretty tournament for the US U-17's.
  • This crop of players has a bunch of talent, but it just never came together for the final product.
  • One encouraging aspect of this team is the overall technical quality possessed by the players.
The U-17's are eliminated from the World Cup.


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