Crisis averted. For now.
The U.S. U17 Men’s National Team flew dangerously close to the fire Sunday, slogging through 90 relatively forgettable minutes of scoreless action in a do-or-die knockout against Jamaica. In the penalty aftermath, the U.S. managed to outlast Jamaica 5-4 from the spot to break into the World Cup later this year by the finest of margins.
Like the U20 team before it, the U17s couldn’t win its group and needed a playoff to qualify out of CONCACAF. A small twist in penalties and the U.S. wouldn’t even be this far. Here’s a look at how the Americans need to improve to make the 2015 U17 World Cup in Chile a worthwhile endeavor.
The midfield has to find a tougher soul
In games against smaller, less physically imposing teams, the U.S. did fine. Breezy wins against Cuba and Guatemala proved they can dominate when the game slows down and teams cede the midfield for interchange. But that didn’t happen frequently. Trinidad & Tobago, Honduras and especially Jamaica were more physical through the middle, at times bullying the Americans into playing out of their comfort zone. In most cases, the U.S. wasn’t able to cope with the adjustment.
