[DATEBOOK] The U.S. Under-17 men’s national team will face Brazil, England and Portugal at the annual Nike International Friendlies and Development Academy WinterShowcase, which takes place Dec. 9-15 in Lakewood Ranch, Fla.
The USA will open against Portugal on Dec. 9, then face England on Dec. 11 and conclude against Brazil on Dec. 13. The USAmatches kick off at 5 p.m. ET and will be preceded by the other two participating countries at 2 p.m. ET.
Along with the Nike Friendlies, the 79-team Development Academy field at theU-15/16 and U-17/18 age groups will compete in three match days. The U-15/16 matches take place on Dec. 12, 13 and 15, and the U-17/18 games are Dec. 11, 12 and 14.
To even the playingfield at 80 teams, a U.S. U-15 boys national team and an additional U-17 national team (from players in residency) will participate.
Similar to last year’s event, four AcademySelect squads – two at the U-15/16 and two at the U-17/18 level – will face each other in a match on Dec. 12. U.S. Soccer technical advisers will play a role in forming these eliterosters, as well as coaching the teams. The U-15/16 Select game kicks off at 6 p.m. and the U-17/18 game at 8 p.m.
All matches are held at the 22-field Premier Sports Campus at LakewoodRanch.
2013 Nike International Friendlies:
(kickoff times listed ET)
Monday, Dec. 9
2 p.m.– England vs. Brazil
5 p.m. – USA vs. Portugal
Wednesday, Dec. 11
2 p.m. – Brazil vs. Portugal
5 p.m. –USA vs. England
Friday, Dec. 13
2 p.m. – Portugal vs. England
5 p.m. – USA vs. Brazil