[NIKE INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES] Joe Gallardo and Haji Wright combined for all fivegoals to lead the U.S. under-17 national team to a 5-1 win over England on the second day of the Nike International Friendlies.
Gallardo, who joined Mexican club Monterrey’s youth academyfrom Nomads Soccer Club in San Diego, put the USA ahead with goals in the 13th and 16th minute and completed his hat trick with five minutes to play after Wright scored twice.
In between,England had cut the deficit to 2-1 and had a chance to tie the score when USA goalkeeper Will Pulisic saved FodayNabay‘s penalty kick.
Tottenham’s Marcus Edwards had scored on a free kick to reduce the USA’s lead in the 47th minute, and seven minuteslater Kaylen Hinds was brought down in the USA penalty area. But Pulisic got down to his right to keep the USA ahead 2-1.
The wide-open gameproduced 38 shots between the two teams and numerous scoring opportunities for both teams.
The USA opened with a 2-1 loss to Portugal on a goal conceded in stoppage time on Monday. Theteam Richie Williams started against Portugal would generally be considered his first team at the moment.
Making their first appearance at the NikeInternational Friendlies since England became a Nike team, England’s U-17s have now lost their first two games following a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in their opener.
The USA concludes play with a match against Brazil on Friday at 5 p.m. ET, while England faces Portugal in its final game at 2 p.m. ET.
Brazil and Portugal tied 1-1 in thefirst game. The USA will need to beat Brazil and hope Portugal doesn’t beat England to capture the four-team tournament.
Dec. 11 in Lakewood Ranch,Fla.
USA 5 England 1. Goals: Gallardo 13, 16, 85; Wright 72, 80; Edwards 47.
England — Sandford; Arnold, Gribbin (Patching, 68), Williams (Humphreys, 72), Wakefield, Nabay, Hepburn-Murphy (Hinds, 46),Collinge, Philips, (J.DaSilva, 46), N’dukwu, Edwards (Willock, 68).
Att.: 1,200.
I am very impressed with De La Torre, Gallardo, and Wright. Lara also looks quite promising. Defenders are a bit naive and easily fooled as always.