USA qualify for 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup

After completely steamrolling through their competition, even a group stage win over Mexico, the United States have qualified for this year’s U-17 World Cup in India. A 6-2 victory over Cuba on Friday not only clinched a berth into the World Cup for the U.S. but it also pushed them through to the final of the CONCACAF Championship on Sunday.

It’s been a very impressive run for this crop of youngsters. The attacking trio of Josh Sargent, Ayo Akinola, and Andrew Carleton have been very good. Sargent and Akinola did most of the heavy lifting through the five matches, scoring nine combined goals. Carleton notched his first goal of the tournament in stunning fashion against Cuba:

The midfield crop of Chris Durkin, Chris Goslin, George Acosta, and Blaine Ferri also showed out very well. Durkin played the No. 6 role with Ferri, Goslin, and Acosta cycling through the midfield, alternating from playmaker to distributor.

Chris Gloster at left back stood out for me on the backline. His ability to link up with Carleton on the left wing was fun to watch at times. He was also responsible on the defensive end. That’s all you can ask for from your full back.

Overall, this group is really talented and depending on their draw should have a great chance of winning some matches later on this year when the World Cup starts in October.