U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team
KEEPING THE STREAK ALIVE
In 2010, the U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team kept alive its impressive streak of having qualified for all 14 FIFA U-17 World Cups since the tournament’s inception in 1985. The U.S. won the 2010 CONCACAF U-17 Championship with a 3-1 overtime victory against Canada.
In Mexico, the U.S. finished tied for second place in Group D and advanced to the Round of 16 ahead of New Zealand after a drawing of lots. The team opened with a 3-0 win against the Czech Republic before falling 2-1 to Uzbekistan and playing to a scoreless draw against New Zealand. The team was unable to overcome Germany, falling 4-0 in the knockout round.
THE NEW CYCLE
The current crop of U.S. U-17 MNT players in Bradenton was born in 1996, making all 32 players eligible for the upcoming CONCACAF and FIFA events. All of the players are entering their first year in the Residency Program, beginning the cycle that will culminate with the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The U-17 MNT staff will continue to keep a close eye on American players throughout the country and those who may be playing abroad. After the 2011 Nike International Friendlies and Academy Winter Showcase, former head coach Wilmer Cabrera held a mini-camp in Bradenton, Fla., with 14 of the top players born in 1996 who are not in Residency.
The U.S. Soccer Development Academy continues to have a growing influence on the U-17s, with 24 of the current 32 player Residency roster stemming from Academy clubs. U.S. Soccer Technical Advisors continue to scour the country in search of the best players that are age eligible for the key events coming up in 2013.
