The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team wrapped up the Nike Friendlies on Sunday, drawing 1-1 against Brazil.
After struggling in last year’s event, the U.S. finished the 2018 edition unbeaten. After starting with a 1-1 draw last Thursday against Portugal and followed that up by edging Turkey 1-0 last Friday before finishing up against Brazil.
It was a three-game sequence that likely gave head coach Shaun Tsakiris plenty to think about. For all the solidity that the U.S. was able to show at the back, conceding just two goals in three games, they didn’t offer as much going forward. Particularly when assessing the team compared with the group at the 2016 Nike Friendlies, it was a jarring contrast. It’s a step forward from last year where the U.S. didn’t win a match and conceded eight goals in three games.
Of course, there is still time and there were some standouts individuals that emerged over the three games. Below is a look at five players that showed well.
