CARSON, Calif. – Sunday marked the end of the road for most of the U17 Women’s National Team. With no World Cup on the horizon, the young women of the squad leave the U17 age group for older competitions in the coming months.
The conclusion for this age group fit with an inspiring performance against current AFC champions Japan in the final of the U17 Women’s NTC Invitational at the Stubhub Center. The U.S., only needing a draw to capture the crown, recorded a 2-1 win behind goals from Mallory Pugh and Taylor Racioppi.
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It was a steady improvement from last year when B.J. Snow took over the coaching position with the youth national team. It was also a wistful dream of what could have been had the U.S. put away a couple more penalty kicks against Mexico during the heartbreaking semifinal defeat at the CONCACAF Championship.
The future for these players will not include a U17 World Cup, but there is still reason to be optimistic about this group and its potential for the U20 WNT and the full national team in the coming years.
