The U.S. Under-17 Women’s National Team started their journey in the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a decisive 3-0 victory over Ecuador. The match took place in Morocco, which is hosting the competition for the first of five years.
This edition marks the first time the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup features 24 nations, an increase from the previous 16 teams. In the other Group C match, China PR defeated Norway 5-0, placing the USA second in the group after the first match day.
Ecuador, making only their second appearance in the tournament, displayed early energy, earning two first-half yellow cards.
First-Half Goals Secure Victory
The USA quickly established dominance, earning several corner kicks early in the match. The Video Support System was called into play in the eighth minute when Johnson was fouled in the box by Ecuador defender Scarlet Garaicoa, though a penalty was not initially awarded.
In the 19th minute, following another penalty appeal, the USA earned a corner kick from the left. Antonucci delivered an inswinger into the penalty box, and central defender Meila Brewer headed the ball into the net from five yards out.
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The USA continued to apply pressure, and in the 22nd minute, forward Maddie DiMaria's header hit the crossbar after a cross from Johnson. DiMaria, one of the four 2009-born players on the roster, was making her first U-17 cap.
DiMaria played a crucial role in the second goal. In the 41st minute, she got behind the defense on a pass from Malsom. Although DiMaria’s shot was saved by Rodriguez, Touray tapped in the rebound to make it 2-0.
Just before halftime, the Americans extended their lead to 3-0. Johnson's deft touch with the outside of her right foot set up Malsom, who finished clinically from the center of the penalty area.
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Second-Half Action
Early in the second half, DiMaria had a goal disallowed for offside.
Defender Natalie Chudowsky replaced Meila Brewer at halftime, while midfielders Jaiden Rodriguez and Chloe Sadler entered the game in the 62nd minute, marking Rodriguez's second FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup appearance.
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Match Statistics
Here's a summary of the key events and players:
- Meila Brewer: Scored the opening goal in the 19th minute.
- Nyanya Touray: Tapped in the rebound to make it 2-0 in the 41st minute.
- Lauren Malsom: Scored her first World Cup goal in the 45+1st minute.
- Maddie DiMaria: Had a goal disallowed for offside in the second half.
The USA will face China PR next on Tuesday, and then Norway on Friday.
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