On Wednesday, October 16th, the 2024 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup kicked off in the Dominican Republic with four group stage matches.
In Group B, the USA lost 1:3 to the defending champions, Spain, but are in good shape to advance as the other Group B match, between Colombia and Korea Republic, ended in a draw, which eliminated the possibility of three teams each finishing on six points.
The hosts, Dominican Republic, which has 10 USA-based players, opened its campaign with a respectable 0:2 loss to Ecuador.
In all, three USA-based players scored on Wednesday, including two NWSL professionals: Mel Barcenas of the San Diego Wave for the USA and Casey Phair of Angel City for Korea Republic. The third goal-scorer was Colombia’s Ella Martinez, who is an academy player for USL Super League side Tampa Bay Sun and is a verbal commit for Duke University.
Match Highlights
Spain 3, USA 1
Spain goals: Own goal (3′), Noa Ortega (70′), Alba Cerrato (83′)
USA goal: Mel Barcenas (22′)
Spain’s first goal was a fluke-ish own goal from a shot that first rebounded hard off the goalpost, and then deflected off the shin of a USA defender.
The USA equalized about 20 minutes later on a scrappy play after Kimmi Ascanio, who was utilized as a center forward, had her shot kick-saved by Spain’s goalkeeper, Laia Lopez. Kennedy Fuller collected the rebound, but slipped to the ground, and was able to kick the ball back to an oncoming Mel Barcenas, who powered her one-time shot into the roof of the net.
The match remained a draw until the final quarter, when a long shot from Pau Comendador rebounded off the crossbar and recent substitute Noa Ortega went behind an unaware Jocelyn Travers and poached home the rebound.
Spain’s insurance goal game from the left foot of Alba Cerrato, who was named the Player of the Tournament at this year’s UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship (UEFA.com). In the 83rd minute, Spain slipped a pass beyond the backline of the USA. Kiara Gilmore partially broke up the play, but a Spain attacker was able to nudge the ball to Cerrato, who slotted it home.
As with the U-20 USWYNT’s opening group match against Spain this year (FIFA match page), Spain dominated in possession as well as passing.
Additional Links: FIFA Match Page, FIFA Highlights
New Zealand 1, Nigeria 4
New Zealand goal: Hannah Saxon (60′)
Nigeria goals: Shakirat Moshood (2′), Khadijat Adegoke (13′), Faridat Abdulwahab (28′), Taiwo Afolabi (55′)
Additional Links: FIFA Match Page, FIFA Highlights
Dominican Republic 0, Ecuador 2
Ecuador goals: Jaslym Valverde (14′, 29′)
Additional Links: FIFA Match Page, FIFA Highlights
Korea Republic 1, Colombia 1
Korea Republic goal: Casey Phair (36′ PK)
Colombia goal: Ella Martinez (28′)
Both goal-scorers in this match are based in the United States: Casey Phair grew up in New Jersey and now plays for Angel City in the NWSL. Ella Martinez is a verbal commit for Duke University and has trained with Gotham FC this year (gothamfc.com).
Additional Links: FIFA Match Page, FIFA Highlights
Group Standings
Only the top two teams advance from each group.
Group A
- Nigeria: 3 points, +3 goal difference, 4 goals scored
- Ecuador: 3 points, +2 goal difference, 2 goals scored
- Dominican Republic: no points, -2 goal difference, no goals scored
- New Zealand: no points, -3 goal difference, 1 goal scored
Group B
- Spain: 3 points, +2 goal difference, 3 goals scored
- Colombia: 1 point, 0 goal difference, 1 goal scored*
- Korea Republic: 1 point, 0 goal difference, 1 goal scored*
- USA: no points, -2 goal difference, 1 goal scored
If the USA wins both of its remaining matches, it is guaranteed to advance, as Korea Republic and Colombia each would have no more than four points.
*At the moment, Colombia has the tie-breaker advantage over Korea Republic, based on Team Discipline Score, as it has fewer yellow cards, two versus one, compared to Korea Republic.
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