The Six Impactful Performances from US U17 World Cup Draw

The United States Women's U17 National Team continued their push towards qualifying for the knockout round of the 2022 World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Brazil on Friday. Considering that the United States controlled a large portion of the match, the result will likely not sit well with the team, their coaching staff, and the USWNT supporters who are a bit on edge after the U20s poor run in their World Cup earlier this year. Much of how this team will be viewed depends upon their next match against Morocco (Monday October 17, FS2, 11AM EST). After two games, they are still leading their group but their hold is tenuous, edging Brazil only on Goal Differential (+8 to +1) with Brazil still slated to play India.   Here are some of the top performances from Friday's draw.   Forward [player_tooltip player_id='22756' first='Nicollette' last='Kiorpes'] (NEFC/2023/Penn State University)   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/FOXSoccer/status/1580885703793467392 </div></figure>   Kiorpes scored the games opening goal in the 33rd minute with a fantastic late run to the box and a cool finish past the Brazilian goalkeeper Leilane. Her passing to both outside midfielders really opened up the Brazilian defense, giving her attackers room to drive at goal. She seemed very comfortable under the pressure in her first World Cup match and should get more minutes against Morocco.   Forward [player_tooltip player_id='18947' first='Onyeka' last='Gamero'] (Beach FC/2023/Stanford University)- Once again, Gamero's consistent pressure on her opponent's defense paid for the the USWNT. Her run down the right flank in the 33rd minute helped open up space for Kiorpes to exploit. While the run was excellent, her pass was even better-it was on point and caught Kiorpes at the perfect moment to capitalize. She continued that strong play down the flank throughout the match and was once again a real difference-maker.   Midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='48334' first='Mia' last='Bhuta'] (Internationals/2023/Stanford University)   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/FOXSoccer/status/1580881577651097607 </div></figure>   Bhuta's spark helped breakthrough the Brazilian defense early, creating chances for Gamero and forward Amalia Villarreal. She very nearly had the game's opening goal with a cracking shot in the 16th minute that went over the bar. Although the USWNT's shots were not going in against Brazil, if Bhuta can continue to find space for her teammates they should have better luck against Morocco.   Midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='21915' first='Riley' last='Jackson'] (Concorde Fire/2024/Duke University)- The captain once again had a strong performance on the attack, linking with Bhuta and Gamero to move the side from a defensive posture to an attacking one. She was tasked with a bit more defending this match, having to help the center backs in pushing out the Brazilian attack. That Brazil's came from the midfield will likely not set well with the Duke University commit but that drive should help them to seal up the top spot in their next match.   Defender [player_tooltip player_id='19598' first='Jordyn' last='Bugg'] (San Diego Surf/2025)- The USWNT faced their first real test in the defense in this match and aside from a long distance goal, they generally had a strong performance. Leading the way was Bugg, who used her strength and positioning to make several key clears on the left side. Her expert marking helped keep Brazil's scoring chances from outside the eighteen. She was subbed out in the 63rd minute for [player_tooltip player_id='33283' first='Ella' last='Emri'] but overall she had a solid performance.   Defender Savannah King (Slammers HB Koge /2023/ University of North Carolina) - Bugg and [player_tooltip player_id='33283' first='Ella' last='Emri']'s outside back teammate on the left side also faced considerable pressure from the Brazilian attack, but put together a strong performance. Her ability to hold attackers to the outside of the pitch kept Brazil from really taking any clear shots at goal. Furthermore, she linked up well with Jackson to give her teammates along the back four a breather, particularly in the second half.

The United States Women's U17 National Team continued their push towards qualifying for the knockout round of the 2022 World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Brazil on Friday. Considering that the United States controlled a large portion of the match, the result will likely not sit well with the team, their coaching staff, and the USWNT supporters who are a bit on edge after the U20s poor run in their World Cup earlier this year. Much of how this team will be viewed depends upon their next match against Morocco (Monday October 17, FS2, 11AM EST). After two games, they are still leading their group but their hold is tenuous, edging Brazil only on Goal Differential (+8 to +1) with Brazil still slated to play India.