In their first-ever match, the U.S. Under-16 Women’s Youth National Team defeated Botswana 15-0 with five goals in the first half and ten in the second. The nation of southern Africa and the women’s national team.
With the victory, the United States of America secured all nine points from Group A in the UEFA Women’s U-16 Friendship Tournament and guaranteed a spot in the championship match, which will take place on April 18 against the winners of Group B, Paraguay.
With the first of striker Micayla Johnson’s three goals in the 12th minute, the USA took the lead and scored once every five minutes for the remainder of the game. Jordan Hill and forward Ashlyn Anderson combined for four of the USA’s final seven goals. Anderson scored three goals as well.
Forward Peyton Marinos, midfielder Charlee Siria, and midfielder Reese Canada each scored one goal, but midfielder Jaiden Rodriguez scored two.
With 25 goals in group play, the USA has by far the most goals of any nation in the eight-team competition. Turkey came in second with ten, followed by Paraguay and China PR with nine each.
The USA’s other Group A victories came against Vietnam (8-0) and Turkey (2-0). With victories of 4-0 over Uganda, 2-1 over China PR, and 0-0 draw with Wales—where it earned two points after winning the penalty kick shootout, 4-3—Paraguay advanced to the championship game.
Players eligible for this U-16 WYNT cycle are those born on or after January 1, 2008. All players born in 2008 were chosen by U.S. head coach Patchy Toledo for this competition. Each participant in the U-16 WYNT pool is qualified for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which takes place in the Dominican Republic in October and November of this year, based on age.
Host Turkey will face China PR for third place, Vietnam will take on Wales for fifth place and Botswana and Uganda will battle in an all-African seventh-place encounter. On April 18, all of the placement matches take place.
