During a training camp south of Atlanta, the U.S. U-17 Women’s Youth National Team defeated Brazil 3-1 in the first of two games between the sides, which was Brazil’s 2024 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying match.
In the 28th minute, Kennedy Fuller, a NWSL rookie for Angel City FC, dribbled into the penalty box from the left side and was taken down, giving the USA the lead. Ainsley McCammon, the captain of the team, stepped up to coolly convert and make it 1-0. It was her first goal for the U-17s on a foreign field.
Following the halftime break, Brazil tied the score, but forward Micayla Johnson gave the United States the lead in the 88th minute when she fed midfielder Kimmi Ascanio of San Diego Wave FC into the penalty area and struck a shot that goalkeeper Ana Moganti parried superbly.
In her debut U-17 cap, Johnson scored her first goal for her country as the first player to the rebound and into the open net. In the ninetieth minute, a goal was added by two substitutes for the USA. Playmaker Mel Barcenas, who also plays for the Wave, crashed into the net after right back Katie Scott sped down the side and sent a brilliant cross on the ground. It was the second U-17.
The USA found out their World Cup route on June 22. In Group B of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in two stadiums in the Dominican Republic from October 16 to November 3, they will play Korea Republic, Spain, and Colombia.
On Wednesday, October 16, the USA plays its first game at Félix Sánchez Stadium in Santo Domingo against the defending champion Spain. The USA will next play Colombia, the runners-up in the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, at Félix Sánchez Stadium on Saturday, October 19, and Korea Republic on Tuesday, October 22, at Cibao University Stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros, to round off group play.
