The U.S. Under-17 Women’s Youth National Team has advanced to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup semifinals for just the second time, their first appearance since the tournament’s debut in 2008, following a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Nigeria at Estadio Cibao FC.
The win was powered by a steadfast defensive display, creative adjustments, and an impressive performance by midfielder Kennedy Fuller, who notched both a goal and an assist.
This result marked a reversal from the 2022 quarterfinal in India, where the U.S. outshot Nigeria yet lost in a penalty shootout.
The win propels the team to the Oct. 30 semifinal in Santiago de los Caballeros (7 p.m. ET), where they will face either Korea DPR, the 2008 and 2016 U-17 World Cup champions, or Poland, a World Cup debutant and third-place finisher at this year’s European championship.
This well-organized U.S. team earned its place in the final four by finishing as runners-up in a tough group featuring both 2022 U-17 finalists, Spain and Colombia, and a former champion, Korea Republic.
After gelling through the group stage, the team delivered a commanding 5-0 victory over South Korea in their final group match, before overcoming Nigeria, the 2022 bronze medalists, in the quarterfinals.
Nigeria, with tournament top scorer Shakirat Moshood, entered the quarterfinals with a flawless record.For this quarterfinal match, U.S. head coach Katie Schoefper made two adjustments to her lineup from the South Korea game. Maddie Padelski, who scored the fifth goal in that match, earned her first World Cup start on the right of a forward line featuring Mary Long as striker and Melanie Barcenas on the left. In defense, Daya King returned to the starting lineup at right back for the first time since the tournament opener.
The match began as a closely contested and physical battle in midfield.
The U.S. managed its first shot in the 29th minute through a promising attempt from Long, while Nigeria, with a four-player midfield, limited the U.S. attack and took only speculative long-range shots.As the Americans adjusted, they found success by bypassing the Nigerian midfield and working the wings.
In the 39th minute, a quick one-touch pass from midfielder Ainsley McCammon found left back Jocelyn Travers on the left flank, allowing her to drive forward.
Travers was fouled by Moshood, and after a video review, a penalty was awarded. Fuller converted confidently, scoring her third World Cup goal and 12th in 12 career U-17 appearances.
In first-half stoppage time, the U.S. nearly doubled their lead when midfielder Kimmi Ascanio’s shot from close range was cleared off the line by Nigeria’s Jumai Adebayo.In the 64th minute, U.S. goalkeeper Evan O’Steen made a pivotal save, diving to her right to stop Nigerian captain Taiwo Afolabi’s powerful shot from 12 yards.
This play followed a rare turnover by American center back Trinity Armstrong.As the second half progressed, the U.S. generated more chances, with Fuller, Barcenas, and Long all getting opportunities. Ascanio sealed the win in the 74th minute after a crucial midfield tackle from McCammon set up a beautiful through pass from Fuller that split the Nigerian defense.
Ascanio raced onto the ball and slotted it past the charging goalkeeper, marking her first World Cup goal and Fuller’s second assist.
Although the U.S. didn’t record a shot until nearly 30 minutes in, they finished with 10 on target compared to Nigeria’s three, while holding 57.5% possession.
Their calm and tactical adjustments paid off in a well-deserved win, with Seattle Reign rookie McCammon shining as she won a game-high four tackles and played a key role in both goals.
The U.S. U-17 squad’s only other semifinal appearance was in 2008 in New Zealand, where they defeated Germany 2-1 before a narrow 2-1 loss to North Korea in the final.
That team featured future USWNT stars such as Crystal Dunn, Morgan Gautrat, and the Mewis sisters, Kristie and Sam. Now, the Americans have another chance at a U-17 World Cup medal. They are assured a sixth game in the Dominican Republic, with the final and bronze medal matches set for Nov. 3 in Santo Domingo, where the USA began their tournament run.
