U.S. U-17 Top Performers v. Trinidad

<p class="has-medium-font-size">The United States started eight new players in the second game of the group stage in the Concacaf U-17 Championship. The rotations resulted in a much more fluid first half against a Trinidad team that looked very timid. The United States ended up winning 3-1 off of goals by Micah Burton, [player_tooltip player_id='14709' first='Taha' last='Habroune'] and Paulo Rudisill. The second half was a little more disjointed as Trinidad grew into the game, but second half substitutes Keyrol Figueroa and Ezekiel Soto brought some offensive verve back into the match. Here are my top performers from game two:</p>   <p class="has-medium-font-size">DM, Pedro Soma, UE Cornella Academy</p>   <p>Soma did not start the first game but is more than likely the first choice defensive-midfielders for this team. Soma provided a poise and presence in the midfield that was missing in the first half of the last game. Soma showed a consistent ability to take clean and assured touches to create space, relieve pressure and then break lines with quick and accurate passes. He moved the ball to all areas of the field with tempo and accuracy. He didn't show up on the scoresheet, but he was the most consistent performer in this game. </p>   <p class="has-medium-font-size">AM, [player_tooltip player_id='14709' first='Taha' last='Habroune'], Columbus Crew Academy</p>   <p>Habroune is having a nice tournament so far. He came off the bench and scored in game one and added an assist and a goal in the first half of this game. He used his body well to protect the ball and consistently got in dangerous spaces. Habroune is making a strong case to get the start versus the United States first big test in Canada on Wednesday. </p>   <p>Habroune assist:</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/USYNT/status/1625328754833727491?s=20u0026amp;t=D98p_BXkc7TyHiaL7TJDYA </div></figure>   <p>Habroune's goal: </p>   <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/1625305722186608640?s=20u0026amp;t=D98p_BXkc7TyHiaL7TJDYA </div></figure>   <p class="has-medium-font-size">LB, [player_tooltip player_id='15048' first='Sawyer' last='Jura'], Portland Timbers Academy</p>   <p>Like Soma, Jura didn't have an overly flashing performance but he was incredibly steady at left-back. He defended well in one on one situations and combined well with his teammate in build up play. A natural right-footed player he showed that he also had a strong left-foot with a great assist on a driven cross on the ground, setup by a very good run into the channel and great first touch. He also had a few other instances where he showed good skill with his off foot. Jura's ability to play both full-back positions is a great asset for this team. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/Concacaf/status/1625325859526569986?s=20u0026amp;t=D98p_BXkc7TyHiaL7TJDYA </div></figure>

The United States started eight new players in the second game of the group stage in the Concacaf U-17 Championship. The rotations resulted in a much more fluid first half against a Trinidad team that looked very timid. The United States ended up winning 3-1 off of goals by Micah Burton, Taha Habroune Taha Habroune M OH and Paulo Rudisill. The second half was a little more disjointed as Trinidad grew into the game, but second half substitutes Keyrol Figueroa and Ezekiel Soto brought some offensive verve back into the match. Here are my top performers from game two: