At the end of a tough defeat to Spain, current reigning U-17 World Cup champions, the US Women's National Team reaches a critical stage in their journey at the ongoing tournament. The match against Colombia, set for October 19, has now become crucial as regards the future of the team in the cup. Even with the defeat, 3-1, the young US players still have a shot at bouncing back and securing the six remaining points in the group stage.
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The defeat to Spain was a tough blow, as it was the first loss for this generation of U-17s. An own goal at an early stage by Jocelyn Travers put the US in a difficult situation, though resiliently they equaled things with a great shot by Melanie Barcenas, set up by Kennedy Fuller. However, the fatigue factor and quality of Spain's attack proved too much, with the US unable to hold off the pressure in the second half.
But even as that defeat rattled the team, it has to be put into perspective: the campaign has just begun, and there's much soccer to be played. The youngsters must show character and concentration as they go ahead to try and overcome Colombia.
After Spain beat the USWNT, it put them top of Group B. In that case, the USWNT sits at the bottom. Colombia did manage a 1-1 tie with South Korea in their opener and is looking for a win to get out of a difficult position. The scenario now presents a "must-win" match for both teams.
Colombia, strong and quick, will create a different type of test for the US. Less technical than Spain, maybe, but they make up with the intensity and fight. This will require tactical intelligence and precise finishing from the Americans to break them down.
The experience of having four college players provides one of the few positives, though, and another level of experience to the US roster: Trinity Armstrong, Katie Scott, Maddie Padelski, and Mary Long are used to competing at a high level in US college leagues and may prove critical at this point in the competition.
Armstrong has started all 13 matches for North Carolina and has been a rock in defense. Padelski, on the other hand, has scored two goals and two assists for Crimson Tide could be an offensive weapon that breaks Colombia's defenses.
Kennedy Fuller enters this World Cup as the team's star, one of the brightest hopes the US has to reach the knockout stages. The 17-year-old prospect, with nine goals in just eight games at the U-17 level, boasts the ability to find space in the box and finish with precision-cum-accuracy that makes her a crucial piece of the team's tactics.
This is not all, as Fuller was the overall top scorer in the 2024 Concacaf U-17 Championship and also grabbed the Golden Ball handed out to the best player of the entire tournament. Great responsibility comes along with such a mantle, but so far, her performances suggest she's up for it.
Colombia also comes into this game based on a strategy of physicality and speed. Traditionally, the Colombian team has been known for aggressive defense that often quickly mounts counterattacks, some of which could spell disaster for the US if they do not come into the game with discipline and organization. The US defense, showing cracks against Spain, needs to be cohesive and solid in handling the pressure by Colombia.
Surprises with quick plays, especially exploiting the space behind the defensive line, are one of Colombia's strengths. Sharp and no gaps is the motto for the US fullbacks. Colombia is also a persistent team, and it is not going to go down without a fight, so the US will have to fight all the way to the final whistle to get all three points.
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