Kennedy Fuller, a midfielder for Angel City FC, gave the U.S. Under-17 Women’s Youth National Team the lead in the 69th minute, but they rallied to tie the score three minutes later, and striker Mary Long added two more goals to seal the victory.
The United States won 3-1 for the second time in a row. U-17s defeated Brazil, a fellow 2024 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier, in a game on July 12 at Kennesaw, outside of Atlanta. Giovanna headed in a cross from Kaylane for a free kick to give the South Americans the lead, and the USA conceded the opening goal off a set play.
Three minutes later, Fuller, who has played a large amount of minutes for ACFC in her rookie NWSL season, equalized, sparking an incredible response from the USA. After Jaiden Rodriguez fed him a cross from the right wing, Fuller headed it in, finishing low inside the far post.
Mary Long, a replacement from the 67th minute, gave the young Americans the lead in the 84th minute. Following a neat period of possession in the Brazilian defensive third, Fuller and defender Jocelyn Travers executed a fast one-two at the top of the penalty area.
Fuller then skinned a defender to create space for her 20-yard shot, which she fired low toward the left corner. Long scored her first goal at the U-17 level as she raced in to bury the rebound after Brazilian goalkeeper Ana Moganti made the save but was unable to hold the ball. After just two minutes, Long ended the match as she ran into the right side of the penalty box after center defender Jordyn Hardeman’s beautiful through ball.
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.
