American U-17s Set the Standard with a 22-0 Rout
Soccer fans have seen blowouts before, but nothing quite like this. The U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team kicked off their 2025 Concacaf U-17 World Cup qualifying campaign with an eye-popping 22-0 victory over the U.S. Virgin Islands in San José, Costa Rica. The Estadio Nacional witnessed fireworks—14 goals in the first half alone—which shattered every expectation and record book.
Forward Chase Adams wrote his name into U.S. soccer history by netting 10 goals. That doesn’t just top the U-17 ranks; it’s a record for any American player in a World Cup qualifier, no matter the age group. Right behind Adams was team captain Maximo Carrizo, who tallied four goals and organized the relentless attack. Not to be overshadowed, Chance Cowell and Jude Terry added two apiece, while Pedro Guimaraes, Ramiz Hamouda, Jamir Johnson, and Kellan LeBlanc each put their names on the scoreboard.
From the first whistle, the U.S. was on the front foot. Their quick passes and movement down the flanks repeatedly broke down the Virgin Islands defense, who simply couldn’t keep up. With each wave of attack, another goal seemed inevitable. By the end of the first 45 minutes, the Americans had banged in 14 goals, steamrolling past their previous qualifying records. The second half saw more controlled, but still ruthless, finishing by the U.S. bench players and subs—including Johnson and LeBlanc who hit late goals.
The result means the U.S. sits atop Group F with a massive +22 goal differential. Over in the group’s other match, Cuba edged out St. Kitts and Nevis 3-1—but the Americans are already favorites to advance to the main event in Qatar, with a place in the expanded 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup up for grabs.
Breaking Down the Game and What’s Next
Head coach Gonzalo Segares showed confidence in his squad depth, making several key substitutions after the job was done early. Cowell, Carrizo, Terry, and Cornelius made way mid-match for fresh legs, but the attack kept rolling. Starting goalkeeper Gavin Villa barely had to get his gloves dirty, but kept his defenders sharp and focused when the Virgin Islands managed their sporadic attacks. The U.S. line-up flexed its depth, rotating from hungry starters to eager bench players looking to make a mark.
The Virgin Islands team, led by goalkeeper E. Rawlins and forward T. Penders, barely found breathing room against the U.S. press. Their rare ventures forward ended in the hands of Villa or the steady feet of the American backline. With an announced crowd of just 100 in clear weather, the magnitude of the result will echo far beyond those in attendance.
Now, the focus quickly shifts to the next opponent—St. Kitts and Nevis, set for February 12. With Group F’s top spot within reach and momentum roaring, the U.S. U-17 team is determined not just to qualify but to turn heads before landing in Qatar. After a start like this, that bar is set seriously high.
May, 13 2025