The U.S. U15 Boys National Team captured its first international tournament title under head coach John Hackworth on Friday. The U.S. defeated Austria 3-2 in the final of the Tournament delle Nazioni in Italy. 

Georgia United winger Andrew Carleton led the way with two goals in the first half to spur the U.S. onto victory. PSG forward Tim Weah added what would hold up as the game-winning goal midway through the second half. LA Galaxy II goalkeeper Eric Lopez came up with a number of saves on the day to help the U.S. secure the win against an onslaught of pressure late from Austria. 

Minus Lopez and winger Lucas Del Rosario, this team will be the core group for the next U17 World Cup cycle. The test in Europe showed that there is plenty of individual brilliance among the group and also some room for improvement prior to the showcase event from the younger ages of the international game. 

The U.S. looked great when George Acosta found the ball in the middle of the field heading toward the attacking third. The Estudiantes de La Plata midfielder played a number of beautiful passes on Friday to help the U.S. claim the crown on the day. Acosta was involved in the build up play on both of Carleton’s goals. 

The U.S. struggled in trying to break the pressure from Austria on the day. The U.S. did not have much success in trying to build from the back and went into a more direct style in the second half to try to secure the win. The problem was partly to blame on the conditions as it was a very wet day and the field of play was not entirely conducive to a quick passing game. 

However, the lack of time spent in possession came back to hurt the U.S. late when the defenders looked a little tired after being under pressure through out much of the second half. 

The U.S. did take home the trophy after a 3-1-1 record from the event. Slovenia beat the U.S. in the final group play game, but the U.S. still moved onto the semifinals. Italy, the host team, held the U.S. scoreless for the first time at the tournament in the semis, but the U.S. prevailed in a penalty kick shootout. 

Following the two-goal performance on Friday, Carleton was the leading scorer for the U.S. with six goals in five games. An impressive showing from the youngster who already has suitors among some big European academies. Ayomide Akinola finished second on the team with four goals from the event. Lucas Del Rosario, Christopher Goslin, Tim Weah, and Acosta also scored in the tournament.  

The next upcoming event for this age group is a trio of friendlies in Argentina in June. 

U.S. U15 Boys National Team Starting XI (4-3-3; left to right): Eric Lopez (LA Galaxy II; Westminster, Calif.); Chandler Vaughn (D.C. United; Woodbridge, Va.), Kelee Cornfield-Saunders (Chivas USA; San Marcos, Calif.), Jaylin Lindsey (Sporting Kansas City; Olathe, Ks.), Zico Bailey (LA Galaxy; Las Vegas, Nev.); Chris Durkin [captain] (Richmond United; Glen Allen, Va.), Christopher Goslin (Georgia United; Locust Grove, Ga.), George Acosta (Estudiantes de La Plata; Miami, Fla.); Andrew Carleton (Georgia United; Powder Springs, Ca.), Ayomide Akinola (Toronto FC; Brampton, Ont.), Lucas Del Rosario (Capital Area Railhawks; Durham, N.C.)

Substitutes: Carlos Anguiano Diaz (Chivas USA; Los Angeles, Calif.) on for Acosta 56’

Tim Weah (Paris Saint-Germain F.C.; Rosedale, N.Y.) on for Del Rosario 56’

Adrian Villegas (Portland Timbers; Hood River, Ore.) on for Akinola 69’

Jake Arteaga (LA Galaxy; Glendora, Calif.) on for Goslin 69’ 

Bryan Perez (Sherman Oaks Extreme SC; Los Angeles, Calif.) on for Carleton 80+3’

 

Goals summary

12’ - Andrew Carleton goal (George Acosta assist)

20’ - Andrew Carleton

61’ - Tim Weah

62’ - Austria goal 

75’ - Austria goal 

photos via ussoccer.com, LA Galaxy Academy on twitter