The U.S. U-17 Women's National Team is once again among the world's best four. With a solid performance, they defeated Nigeria 2-0 in the quarterfinals of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup to reach the semifinals. Among them, one stood out-Kennedy Fuller, who scored a goal and provided an assist, too. She was ultimately the difference-maker in what was a tight, hard-fought encounter.
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This match against Nigeria was personal for the U.S. players and coaching staff, considering how their fate in the 2022 quarterfinals was decided by a hard struggle with penalties. The result this time, however, came out different. The Americans earned a semifinal berth through a calculated, passionate performance-something they hadn't been able to do since 2008, in the tournament's first edition.
Unlike the 2022 game, the USWNT players were in better control of the game, putting together some really decent attacking moments and showing much discipline in defense. The defense, led by Jocelyn Travers and Trinity Armstrong, managed to contain the efforts of Nigeria's top scorer, Shakirat Moshood, while Kennedy Fuller orchestrated the midfield, finding spaces to create chances.
There is one name, though, that crops up throughout news and analyses of that American campaign: Kennedy Fuller's. The young midfielder of Angel City FC scored not only an important penalty goal in the 39th minute but also assisted quite precisely for Kimmi Ascanio's goal that sealed the score at 2-0 in the 74th minute. With that, Fuller scored three goals in the competition and scored herself as a key player at crucial times.
The way she slotted the penalty and the vision she showed in her assist brought out why she is regarded as one of the bright prospects of this generation. Fuller is not afraid of pressure: she takes on responsibility, whether in creating attacking plays or helping to organize the defense. This maturity on the pitch has caught the attention of not only American fans but also those who follow the tournament closely.
Beyond Fuller's individual brilliance, much should be said about the collective effort of this U.S. team. Head coach Katie Schoepfer made the necessary changes to the lineup that proved so important in seeing off Nigeria. For instance, Maddie Padelski earned her first start in the tournament and helped give a little more umph on the attack's right side. Meanwhile, Daya King returned to the defense, bringing added security alongside Armstrong.
The balance between the players was overt, with the United States having possession of the ball throughout much of the game, particularly in the second half. Keeper Evan O'Steen had his important moment too, saving a very dangerous shot by Nigerian team captain Taiwo Afolabi and keeping Nigeria off the score board. This kind of display, where every part contributes, may be what will make the difference in the World Cup-an elite competition.
The victory now sets them up for the semifinal on October 30 against North Korea or Poland. North Korea has already won two U-17 World Cup editions and is a familiar foe that has grown increasingly challenging. This would make it a match riddled with past and recent history and rivalry. On the other hand, the match with Poland would make it their first foray into a U-17 World Cup semifinal ever.
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