6. YOUTH: Big win for U-16s in Ballymena

• by Soccer America , Apr 25, 2007

The U.S. U-16 national team rallied from two goals down to beat the Czech Republic, 3-2, Tuesday at the Ballymena Showgrounds in the second game of the 2007 Ballymena International Tournament in Northern Ireland.

Dersu Abolfathi, Ryan Finley and captain Kofi Sarkodie scored for the USA to move into first place in Hroup B and gain revenge for Czech victories over the Americans in the last two championship games.

On Monday, the USA tied Scotland, 1-1, in Larne. Parker Walsh scored the equalizer with five minutes left to play to earn the U-16s a point.

The USA closes out group play Wednesday against Ireland.

The USA has reached the final the past four consecutive years only to fall to Israel (1-2), Switzerland (3-4 on penalties), Czech Republic (0-1) and Czech Republic again (0-1).