U.S. U17s drop tourney opener

by J.R. Eskilson

July 28, 2014

The U.S. U17 Men’s National Team dropped its opening game at the 2014 Nordic Tournament 2-0 to Denmark on Monday. The U.S. played a lineup that has not seen much time together in the past as head coach Richie Williams examines the depth of the age group in preparation for the World Cup qualifying process in 2015. The majority of the core group for this age group will be playing at a different international tournament in Mexico City starting on August 2.

Denmark came out strong on Monday when Mark Christensen scored the opening goal in the fourth minute. Marco Ramkilde doubled the lead 24 minutes later.

The loss marks the first defeat of 2014 for this age group. Williams’ squad was 7-0-2 in international competition this year heading into the game.

The U.S. returns to the field on Tuesday with a game against Norway, which won its opener 3-1 against the Faroe Islands. Kick off is scheduled for 9 a.m. (ET).

U.S. Starting XI: William Pulisic; Logan Panchot (captain), Nikkye De Point, AJ Palazzolo, Edwin Lara; Kyle Gurrieri, Jonathan Gonzalez, Keegan Kelly; Elijah Rice, Kai Koreniuk, Orrin Gaines

Subs: Eric Matzelevich, George Braima, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie