If Friday’s game was any indication, the U.S. U17 Men’s National Team is well on its way to forging a fairly convincing path to the 2015 World Cup.
The Americans got a fifth-minute goal from Hugo Arellano and went on to abuse Cuba 5-0 in the opener of the CONCACAF U17 Championship in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The U.S. racked up a 3-0 lead by halftime thanks to a 70/30 possession advantage and a staggering edge in shots. Goals from Arellano, Alejandro Zendejas and a hat trick from Joe Gallardo handed the Americans a relatively breezy three points.
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The win launched the U.S. to the top of Group A alongside Guatemala, which trounced Trinidad & Tobago earlier in the day. The Americans play the second of their five group games Monday against T&T. The winner of the group automatically qualifies for the World Cup later this year in Chile, while the next two are entered into a playoff.
A month ago, the U20 MNT was shocked in its CONCACAF opener via a late Guatemala equalizer. The U17s left no doubt, stepping on Cuba’s neck early and never giving the game a chance to spiral. Three main points from the match.
