On an afternoon where the U.S. opened their U17 Concacaf run with a 13-0 win, the sensational Kennedy Fuller tied the tournament single-game record of five goals. Alexandra Pfeiffer’s hattrick, Mya Townes’ double, and single strikes from Rylee McLanahan, Jordyn Hardeman, and Katie Scott rounded up the scoring.

It took just eight minutes for the first goal as Pfeiffer broke through on the left wing and played a pin-point cross for a Townes tap-in. By the 21st minute, the score had ballooned to 4-0 as Townes grabbed another and Pfeiffer added two scores. It took 14 minutes for the next goal as Pfeiffer completed her hattrick, followed by Fuller’s first two to complete the first half at 7-0.

USA on 🔝

Mya Townes nets one to give the @USYNT the lead over Panama in the Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/hI0K6sdzMy

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 2, 2024

Despite the onslaught, Panama did show some courage and skillful moments, particularly from Isabella Rendino, a 2009-born player for Santa Rosa ECNL, who gave the U.S. fits on the right wing, forcing a few impressive saves from Molly Vapensky. 

Two unspoken heroes were Leena Powell and Melanie Barcenas, who may not have scored on the day but were dazzling in their 1-on-1 dribbling and creative prowess in setting the table for the rest of the team. Barcenas displayed that with her brilliant run to set up the first goal of the second half and Fuller’s hattrick. 

What a connection between Melanie Barcenas and Kennedy Fuller! 🔥

Fuller gets her hat trick and the @USYNT adds on another goal 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/M0oePb74W8

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 2, 2024

With the floodgates re-opened and the strength in depth from Katie Schoepfer’s squad, the scoring continued as the reigning Gatorade National Player of the Year scored her 5th to make it 12-0 in the 78th minute on a laser strike bouncing in off the crossbar. A few minutes later, Scott, fittingly wearing no. 13, scored the 13th and final goal of the night from a long-range shot. 

From WAY OUT!! 🎯

Katie Scott makes it a baker's dozen for the @USYNT! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/hCiZxTOhQf

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 2, 2024

The U.S. returned to action on Sunday afternoon against Puerto Rico. 

U.S. Lineup: Molly Vapensky; Daya King (Alexis Coughlin), Trinity Armstrong (Kiara Gilmore), Jordyn Hardeman; Leena Powell (Rylee McLanahan), Katie Scott, Kennedy Fuller, Ainsley McCammon; Melanie Barcenas (Kimmi Ascanio), Alexandra Pfeiffer (Carrie Helfrich), Mya Townes

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