PORTE ALEGRE, Brazil (July 13, 2005) - The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team fell 3-0 to host Brazil in the opening match of a four-team youth tournament being played at Complexo Esportivo de Ulbra in Porte Alegre, Brazil.

Playing in front of 4,000 fans, the U.S. started the game well, but struggled to create much of an attack against Brazil. The U.S. was held to just one shot on goal in the game (four overall), which came in the 10th minute as forward Omar Gonzalez found room to unleash a shot, but his attempt was curtailed with a great save from Felipe. Brazil controlled the majority of the match as they peppered the U.S. goal with 23 total shots, forcing goalkeeper Bryant Rueckner into 11 saves on the night.

Brazil got their first goal in the 35th minute as Anderson was able to beat Rueckner and doubled their lead in the 76th minute as Kerlon tallied.  On Brazil’s third goal it appeared Igor was in a clear offside position, but no call was made and the second half substitute put away his attempt in the 80th minute.

The U.S. will next play Uruguay on Friday, July 15, at Complexo Esportivo de Ulbra. Uruguay lost their opening match of the tournament, 2-0, to Selecao Gaucha. The U.S. will play Selecao Gaucha in their final match on Sunday, July 17.

U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team Match Report

Participants:  U.S. Under-17 ‘88s Men’s National Team vs. Brazil
Competition:  Youth Tournament
Location:  Porte Alegre, Brazil
Date: July 13, 2005
Weather: Cool, 60 degrees
Attendance: 4,000

Scoring Summary: 
                1st    2nd      Final
USA          0       0           0
BRA          1       2           3

BRA – Anderson                 35th minute
BRA – Kerlon                       76.
BRA – Igor                            80.

Lineups
USA: 1-Bryant Rueckner; 14-Amaechi Igwe (6-Quavas Kirk, 76), 5-Ofori Sarkodie, 4-Eric Lichaj, 3-Kevin Alston; 11-Ryan Soroka (13-Blake Wagner, 70), 8-Kyle Nakazawa, 16-Nik Besagno (12-Richard Edgar, 46), 17-Jeremy Hall (15-Dan Kelly, 70); 21-Omar Gonzalez (10-David Arvizu, 85), 9-Preston Zimmerman. 

BRA: Felipe; Leyrielton (Gerônimo), Sidnei, Thiago, Marcelo; Roberto, Denílson, Renato (Ceslo) Kerlon; Anderson, Bruno (Igor).

Statistical Summary:
                              USA     BRA
Shots                       4          23
Saves                    11          1
Fouls                      18         16
Corner Kicks          2           7
Offside                    1           4 

Misconduct Summary:
USA – Amaechi Igwe (caution)     48th minute
USA – Ryan Soroka (caution)       77.