USMNT U17 0-1 Slovakia U17: Players That Impressed

Earlier this morning in the Czech Republic, the United States under-17 Youth National Team started their campaign in the Vaclav Jezek Cup with a tough 1-0 loss to Slovakia. Despite having some excellent opportunities at goal and some good possession, a David Petrik header in the 41st minute proved to be the difference between the sides.   When it comes to matches like this, context is key. The USYNT, aside from an August Camp, haven't played that much with one another since going toe-to-toe with Portugal and Belgium last May. So a little bit of rust and some chemistry issues are expected. The question is really between the next couple of matches in the Czech Republic (they will face Germany on Friday at 10am EST) is a.) how they will respond to an uneven result and b.) will their chemistry improve?   Here are some of the top performances from Wednesday's action.   Goalkeeper Diego Kochen (FC Barcelona)-Kochen had a strong outing for the USYNT, making several key saves throughout the match. He also did a great job at organizing the backline and moving them into positions where they could both assist on the attack and manage any counter-attacking chances. The lone goal he allowed was a header from a cross towards the far post-a difficult ball for goalkeepers at any level. He will likely get the start again against Germany and will likely face much more opposition in front of goal.   Centerback [player_tooltip player_id='33271' first='Christian' last='Diaz'] (LAFC Academy)- Diaz was the anchor of the USYNT defense and against significant Slovakian pressure held his own. From the early stages of the match he proved himself to be a very capable leader, help setting up the US' first attacking chance in the 11th minute. Alongside center-back partner Stuart Hawkins, he kept the U.S. in the match with some key tackles and some excellent build up from the back.   Midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='52033' first='Ian' last='Shaul'] (Portland Timbers Academy)-Shaul was the sparkplug of the USYNT midfield, connecting Diaz and Hawkins with their attack while at the same stopping the Slovakian counter-attack. He created several overlapping runs with [player_tooltip player_id='15805' first='Andre' last='Gitau'] and [player_tooltip player_id='7597' first='Ezekiel' last='Soto'] to open up the Slovakian defense, giving the US some signs of a possible equalizer. His shot just before halftime at the top of the eighteen looked promising but was off-target.   Forward [player_tooltip player_id='15805' first='Andre' last='Gitau'] (Houston Dynamo Academy)- The Houston Dynamo Academy target man was perhaps the U.S.' most dynamic player on the attack, making several key runs down the right flank to open up the Slovakian defense. The US' best chance in the 50th minute came when Soto linked up with Gitau, who found a surging Shaul. His speed and pace make him a very dangerous piece in Segares' attack and should get more minutes as this competition progresses.   Forward [player_tooltip player_id='7597' first='Ezekiel' last='Soto'] (Houston Dynamo Academy)- The U.S.' best attacking chances during the match were either set up or created by Soto. His speed and crosses into the box caused the Slovakian defense nightmares throughout the ninety minutes. In the 10th minute, he ripped a cross in for Gitau, who just missed hitting the back of the net. He followed that up in the 29th minute with another strong run and pass into the box, once again finding Gitau but not quite connecting with his Houston Dynamo academy teammate.

Earlier this morning in the Czech Republic, the United States under-17 Youth National Team started their campaign in the Vaclav Jezek Cup with a tough 1-0 loss to Slovakia. Despite having some excellent opportunities at goal and some good possession, a David Petrik header in the 41st minute proved to be the difference between the sides.