U.S. U-17 Women’s Youth National Team kicks off European trip with 2-0 win over Spain

MADRID – The U.S. Under-17 Women’s Youth National Team defeated Spain, 2-0, in its first of three matches in Europe this month, the final event for the USA before the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The USA will face Spain again on Aug. 25 at Ciudad del Futbol de Las Rozas in Madrid and then take on Germany on Aug. 31 at Instalación Deportiva Butarque C.D. Leganés in Madrid. Germany and Spain clinched berths to the 2022 U-17 WWC by finishing first and second at the 2022 UEFA Women’s U-17 Championship as Germany topped Spain in penalties to claim the European title. Spain is the reigning U-17 World Cup champion after winning the 2018 FIFA U-17 WWC in Uruguay.

After a tight first half, the USA opened the scoring in the 65^th minute when defender Mia Oliaro dribbled the ball to the endline and played a cross into the six-yard box for midfielder Lauren Martinho to finish at the back post. Martinho also scored in the championship game of the 2022 Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship, a 2-1 U.S. win over Mexico. It was Martinho’s fifth international goal in eight U-17 caps.

Just four minutes later, the USA benefited from a Spain own goal by Yolanda Sierra. The play started with a free kick from midfielder Mia Bhuta, who served the ball into the penalty area. Defender Ella Emri headed the ball at Sierra, who deflected it into her own net.

U.S. U-17 WYNT head coach Natalia Astrain called up 24 players for this event, including 17 who helped the USA qualify for the World Cup on the way to winning the Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship this spring. Players born on or after Jan. 1, 2005, are age-eligible for this U-17 Women’s World Cup. Astrain selected 18 players born in 2005, five born in 2006 and one born in 2007 for this roster.

Seven players who did not participate in the USA’s World Cup qualifying campaign are in Spain: goalkeeper Valentina Amaral, Emri, midfielders Ella Sanchez, Eleanor Klinger and Audrey Lam plus forwards Emeri Adames and Melanie Barcenas.

-U.S. UNDER-17 WOMEN’S YOUTH NATIONAL TEAM MATCH REPORT-

Match: United States U-17 Women’s National Team vs. Spain U-17 Women’s National Team
Date: August 23, 2022
Competition: International Friendly
Venue: Ciudad del Futbol de Las Rozas; Madrid, Spain
Weather: 95 degrees, sunny

Scoring Summary:   1          2          F         
USA                             0          2          2
ESP                             0          0          0

USA – Lauren Martinho (Mia Oliaro)             65^th minute
USA – Own Goal (Yolanda Sierra)                69

Lineups:

USA: 1-Victoria Safradin (12-Abigail Gundry, 46); 21-Savannah King (17-Nicola Fraser, 46); 5-Ella Emri, 16-Cameron Roller, 4-Gisele Thompson (9-Mia Oliaro, 46); 8-Riley Jackson (Capt.) (14-Mia Bhuta, 46), 2-Ella Sanchez (7-Audrey Lam, 35, 24-Eleanor Klinger 59), 3-Charlotte Kohler (23-Lauren Martinho, 46); 15-Nicollette Kiorpes (11-Emri Adames, 30, 19-Melanie Barcenas, 68); 13-Melanie Rebimbas (10-Amalia Villarreal, 46); 20-Onyeka Gamero (18-Taylor Suarez, 46)

Subs not used: 22-Valentina Amaral

Head Coach: Natalia Astrain

SPA: 1-Sofia Fuente (23-Eunate Astralaga, 46); 5-Sandra Villafane (3-Yolanda Sierra, 46); 6-Marina Artero (4-Adriana Ranera, 46); 7-Alguacil Amores (16-Raquel Inigo, 46); 8-Olaya Enrique; 9-Carla Camacho (11-Jone Ameezaga, 46); 15-Sara Ortega; 17-Marina Rivas (22-Paula Rubio, 64); 18-Naara Miranda (10-Olga San Nicolas, 57); 19-Laia Martret (14-Noelia Correro, 57); 20-Paula Partido Duran (12-Magali Capdevilla, 46)

Subs not used:  2-Noeli Llamas, 13-Jimena Vicario, 21-Karla Bermejo, 24-Daniela Arques

Head Coach: Kenio Gonzalo

Stats Summary: USA / ESP            
Shots: 6 / 8
Shots on Goal: 3 / 3
Saves: 3 / 1
Corner Kicks: 2 / 4
Fouls: 1 / 10
Offside: 3 / 1

Misconduct Summary:
None 

Officials:
N/A