USA, Brazil Draw 1-1 at U17 World Cup

by Travis Clark

October 14, 2022

The matchup between the two best teams in Group A at the U17 World Cup delivered.

The United States and Brazil battled to a 1-1 draw, with a standout effort from Brazil goalkeeper Leilane denying the U.S. U17 WNT the full points. A 32nd minute goal from Nicolette Kiorpes was canceled out by a strike from Carol in the 36th minute. A strong U.S. side carved out numerous chances in the second half, denied by Leilane and a stout Brazilian back line.

Mia Bhuta nearly put the U.S. in front in the 17th minute. Amalia Villarreal was slipped in behind and got to the touchline. Her dangerous cross back towards the penalty spot found Bhuta. After her first shot was blocked, Bhuta had a second crack at it, forcing a good save from the Brazilian goalkeeper.

Beach FC speedster Onyeka Gamero setup the game’s first goal in the 33rd minute. It was a simple, straightforward burst to the endline from the California native, ghosting past a Brazilian defender. Her cutback found Kiorpes just outside the six-yard box, and she was able to finish past Leilane.

USA STRIKES FIRST! 🇺🇸

Nicollette Kiorpes finds the back of the net for the @USYNT 👏 pic.twitter.com/qGMw6DbPK7
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) October 14, 2022

The lead was short-lived, however. Brazilian midfielder Carol scored just four minutes later. Finding a pocket of space, she collected the ball and unleashed a low strike from 25 yards out that U.S. goalkeeper Victoria Safradin couldn’t keep out of the net.

Chances came early in the second half as well for the U.S. Riley Jackson nearly slipped in Onyeka Gamero in on goal, but she was unable to get a strong shot on Leilane. Gamero turned provided a few minutes later, slipping in Villarreal, who fired straight at the ‘keeper.

After Safradin made a save in the 56th minute to maintain parity, the U.S. went close again. In the 58th minute, sub Emeri Adames was thwarted by Leilane after a sensational through ball from Gamero; Leilane denied Thompson eight minutes later after the right back burst in on goal.

Carol fired wide from a dangerous free kick in the 81st minute, one of Brazil’s best chances in the second stanza.

In the end, neither side could find the winner, and the two sides will head into the final match day on Monday equal on points. The U.S. holds a strong position thanks to its strong goal differential buoyed by an 8-0 win against India earlier this week.

U.S. Lineup: Victoria Safradin; Savannah King, Cameron Roller, Jordyn Bugg (Ella Emri), Gisele Thompson (Nicola (Nicki) Fraser); Riley Jackson, Mia Bhuta, Lauren Martinho (Charlotte Kohler); Nicollette Kiorpes (Emeri Adames), Amalia Villarreal (Amalia Villarreal), Onyeka Gamero