U17 MNT ends Nike Friendlies with draw

by J.R. Eskilson

December 2, 2018

The U.S. U17 Men’s National Team finished the 2018 Nike International Friendlies with an undefeated record. However, it was not enough to claim the championship as Portugal ended up as the winners with seven points from three games (and an impressive plus seven goal-differential). USA ended up only five points (1-0-2) after being held to a 1-1 draw against Brazil in the final game on Sunday.

Sporting Kansas City homegrown forward Gianluca Busio scored the lone goal off an assist from Giovanni Reyna late in the first half. Busio one-touched home a volley after a great setup from Reyna. USA held the lead at the break.

Breakthrough right before the half!

First appearance in the 2018 #NikeFriendlies, first goal for Gianluca Busio! pic.twitter.com/ucjCZq65Qn
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@ussoccer_ynt) December 2, 2018

Brazil answered with a goal late in the second half on a free kick from just outside of the 18-yard box. It was only the second goal USA conceded from the three-game event.

With the 1-1 draw, the U.S. finished second in the four-team tournament, behind Portugal. The USA drew 1-1 with the Nike Friendlies champions on Thursday to open the event.

USA XI: Damian Las; Joe Scally, Mason Judge, Kobe Hernandez, Adam Armour; Tayvon Gray, Peter Stroud, Giovanni Reyna; Griffin Yow, Ricardo Pepi, Gianluca Busio