U-17's crash out of World Cup

The hype coming out of Bradenton proved to be just that as the U-17 U.S. national team stumbled out of the World Cup in Nigeria with a 2-1 loss to Italy in the round of 16. The young Americans were outplayed for long stretches of action but they still had plenty of opportunities to tie this game and even had a first half penalty kick saved by the Italian goalkeeper. In the end the better side won and the U.S. team will head home after not performing up to the expectations set by those close to the team.

I will not blame the players who are just teenagers playing the game that they love, nor will I blame the coaches for their strategies and tactics. I only blame the people who hyped this team up to be a potential championship contender and set the level of expectations way too high for this team. Maybe the losses of Charles Renken, Jospeh Gyau and Sebastian Lletget were too much for this team to overcome in the end. The lesson that should be learned here is that the type of American soccer fan who is interested in the U-17 World Cup are deeply involved with the national program and are passionate about their team. That being the case, expectations have to be realistic or else people, like me, will start to write or talk about how the players just weren't that good or what failures they are when that isn't the case at all. This version of the U-17's did play an attack oriented style and pushed forward at every attempt. The midfield play was solid and there are plenty of players on this team with the potential to help out the full national side down the road. That is what should matter and that is how this team should be viewed. The national team is improving but it's going to take time so be patient.