U.S. U-17 Men's National Team falls to Jamaica in quest for World Cup bid
The United States Under-17 Men's National Team came up short on Wednesday in San Pedro Sula, Honduras in its initial bid to clinch a berth in the 2015 FIFA World Cup.
With a win against Jamaica in their fifth and final group-stage game, the U-17's would have advanced to the World Cup in Chile as the first of four CONCACAF countries to qualify. It was not to be, however. The Young Boyz won 1-0 after a Hugo Arellano hand ball in the box in the 55th minute led to a Nicholas Nelson converted penalty kick and propelled Jamaica to the top of Group A.
The U.S., which will finish in either second or third place in the group depending on the result of Honduras vs. Guatemala, can still qualify for the World Cup, but it will need to win a playoff match on Sunday. The U-17's will play Mexico, Costa Rica or Canada.
The Yanks finished group play with 10 points at 3-1-1 and entered Wednesday night's match coming off a 2-2 draw with Honduras. The U-17 World Cup will be held in Chile from Oct. 17 to Nov. 8.
