U17 World Cup Ends for US

Americans Eliminated by Germany Despite Mass. Native Williams's Efforts

The U17 World Cup came to an abrupt end for the Under-17 Men’s National team afetr a 2-1 defeat to Germany on Thursday knocked them out of the tournament at the Round of 16 stage.

The Americans, who slipped into the second round with a victory over a hapless Belgium squad in their last group play match, finished the World Cup a disappointing 1-3. It was the third straight time the U.S. lost in the round of 16 in the U17 World Cup.

Boston native Sheanon Williams started and played the full ninety minutes for the fourth consecutive time this tournament. Williams, a defender out of Rivers High School in Weston, Mass. and a member of the FC Greater Boston Bolts, was involved in the action all night, his long throw-ins pressuring the Germany defense and creating dangerous opportunities for the United States.

The U.S. was already down 2-0 after surrendering two seocnd half goals when in the 92nd minute a Williams throw led to a scramble in the box where U.S. defender Mykell Bates, sitting on the ground with his back to the goal, flicked the ball behind him and into the net.

But it was too little too late for the U.S., the goal saving a bit of pride but not enough to erase the two-goal deficit.

“Full credit goes to Germany,” said U.S. coach John Hackworth. “They are an outstanding team and we wish them all the best going forward. We knew this game was going to be a bit of a chess match, and there were times when they were coming at us. We didn’t play as well as we thought we could.”

Hackworth’s charges couldn’t stop Richard Sukuta-Pasu. The German forward scored both goals in the second half to lead Germany to victory and a spot in the quarterfinals.

Germany’s first goal came when Sukuta-Pasu received a long ball from Toni Kroos in stride, touched it around a defender in the box and beat Josh Lambo high to put the Germans up 1-0.

Lambo started in goal for the U.S. for the second straight match and came up with a number of dazzling stops to keep Germany off the board for a majority of the match. Lambo finished the game with eight saves and was named Man of the Match for the second consecutive game.

Down 1-0, the U.S. turned up the pressure, getting dangerous scoring opportunities from Williams’ long throw-ins. In the 71st minute, Rene Vollath picked off a throw that seemed destined for Daniel Wenzel’s head, and a minute later, Abdusalam Ibrahim got off a shot from the far post following a throw-in, but his shot sailed high.

Germany increased the lead 2-0 when Kroos led a counterattack upfield, slotting a ball perfectly for Sukuta-Pasu, who was able to beat Lambo for the second time on the night.

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