The U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team clinched a decisive quarterfinal victory over Nigeria U-17 on Saturday afternoon, securing their spot in the semifinals of the U-17 Women’s World Cup. Seattle Reign FC’s Ainsley McCammon, San Diego Wave’s Kimmi Ascanio and Mel Barcenas, and Angel City FC’s Kennedy Fuller all featured in the starting lineup, with McCammon wearing the captain’s armband.
Rematch Ready! 🇺🇸
Your #U17WYNT starting XI vs. 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/2HIV5AnjPR
The first half was relatively quiet, with both sides making valiant attempts to get on the scoreboard, either by breaking into the box or making shots from distance. Just before halftime, Nigeria committed a defensive misstep, fouling inside the box and setting up a penalty for the U.S. Fuller stepped up to take it, slotting her shot past the keeper to give the U.S. a lead heading into the break.
ICE COLD from @weareangelcity midfielder Kennedy Fuller 🥶🇺🇸pic.twitter.com/3tLVUaObIu
In the second half, Nigeria pressed for an equalizer but found themselves caught by a quick U.S. counterattack. Fuller intercepted possession in midfield and delivered a precise through ball to Ascanio, who maneuvered past her marker and slid to get enough of her boot on the ball to nudge it past the keeper to double the U.S. lead. Despite a Nigerian challenge to review the goal, the decision on the field was upheld and at the final whistle, the U.S. was declared victorious.
KENNEDY FULLER ➡️ KIMMI ASCANIO
Things you love to see 🙌pic.twitter.com/ksqTeDTXkC
The U.S. will now prepare for the semifinals, set for Wednesday, October 30, at 7:00 p.m. ET, where they’ll face North Korea.
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