There was no challenge facing Kaz Tambi’s U17 Women’s National Team Wednesday in the CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament opener, played in Costa Rica.

The U.S. squad crushed Haiti 9-0. If there was a sympathy factor for the Haitians following the recent devastating earthquake in that country, the U.S. players didn’t show it.

Talking with an observer at the match, the Haitian team was totally outmatched on the day. It is a reminder that many nations have not fully developed their women’s soccer program anywhere near the level of the U.S., but this tournament is a necessary step in reaching the FIFA U17 World Cup, to be held this September in Trinidad & Tobago.

The U.S. will face Cayman Islands for more of the same on Friday, before closing the group stage with a match vs. hosts Costa Rica Sunday. If other age groups are any indication, the Costa Rican team should be a good test for Tambi’s side.

But on Wednesday, there was no test to speak of. Colorado Rush attacker Lindsey Horan enjoyed most of the goal-scoring spoils, striking for four goals after having provided a couple of assists in the early going. A final match at an ECNL event or maybe the Surf Cup or Disney Showcase would have been more competition for Horan and her teammates, but that’s not their fault. Horan was clearly in the mood and made the most of the opportunities presented to her.

Solar SC’s Taylor Smith added a couple of goals, with Morgan Brian, Cari Roccaro and Alexandra Doll adding a single tally each.  Bryane Heaberlin of Clearwater Chargers kept a clean sheet, but that involved stopping a single Haitian shot on target. Olivia Brannon, Clarissa Wedemeyer and Abby Dahlkemper also had strong games for the U.S.

We’ll see what Friday brings, but it’s probably more of the same.

MORE U17 WNT CONCACAF COVERAGE