USMNT U-17's defeat South Korea for opening World Cup win

12/11/2023 17:20

The U.S. Under-17 men’s national team opened its FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign on a high note Sunday morning.

Nimfasha Berchimas scored twice while Cruz Medina also added a goal in a 3-1 victory over South Korea. Goalkeeper Adam Beaudry registered six saves for Gonzalo Segares’ squad as the Americans moved to 1-0-0 in group stage action.

It was a fast start for the Americans, who claimed a 1-0 advantage after only seven minutes. Berchimas, a Charlotte FC attacker, roofed his right-footed shot into the top corner after South Korea failed to clear its line in the box.

Kim Myung-Jun equalized for South Korea in the 35th minute, giving the teams a 1-1 halftime scoreline heading into the break.

San Jose’s Cruz Medina boosted the Americans in front 2-1 in the 49th minute after stroking home a rebound inside of the South Korea box. Berchmias’ original effort was kicked away, but Medina was on the spot to slot home.

Berchimas capped off a career day in the 73rd minute, cutting onto his left footed before drilling a low shot into the bottom-left corner. It capped off a Man of the Match showing for the 15-year-old Berchimas, who earned eight MLS NEXT Pro appearances for Crown Legacy FC this past season.

The Americans would hang on for three points ahead of Wednesday’s Matchday 2 showdown with Burkina Faso.