Academy Players Make Impact for U.S. in 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup

While the USA’s journey through the FIFA U-17 World Cup has come to a close, the Development Academy definitely left its mark in Nigeria.

While the USA’s journey through the FIFA U-17 World Cup has come to a close, the Development Academy definitely left its mark in Nigeria. Seven players on the World Cup roster, including two regular starters, were members of the Academy program. Keith Cardona, Spencer Richey, Jared Watts, Nick Palodichuk, John Agudelo, Victor Chavez and Dominick Sarle all participated in the Academy Program from 2007-09 before moving to the U-17 Residency Program.

Watts and Palodichuk contributed heavily, starting all four games, including Wednesday’s Round of 16 match against Italy. Watts also served as team captain for all four games, while Palodichuk scored the lone goal against Italy, equalizing the game 1-1 before the Italians scored the go-ahead goal that eliminated the U.S. Sarle, Chavez and Agudelo all made appearances as substitutes against Italy.