Sullivan Propels U17 MNT to Club Soccer Triumph
The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team kicked off its 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso. The match took place at Aspire Zone and highlighted the skill and determination of the young players.
Sullivan’s Late Goal Secures Victory
Cavan Sullivan, a substitute, scored the decisive goal in the 79th minute. This was a significant moment for Sullivan, marking his debut in the U-17 World Cup. His goal came after a well-constructed play, leading to a close-range finish past Burkina Faso’s goalkeeper, Rahim Ouattara.
Match Overview
Both teams displayed great competitive spirit from the start. The United States emphasized possession-based gameplay, while Burkina Faso relied on quick counterattacks. Despite multiple opportunities for both sides, the first half ended in a scoreless draw.
First Half Highlights
- The U.S. was the first to threaten with a cross from Nimfasha Berchimas, quickly saved by Ouattara.
- Burkina Faso earned a corner early, with Fadil Barro’s header being superbly saved by U.S. goalkeeper Aidan Stokes.
- Mathis Albert narrowly missed scoring after a well-coordinated attack leading to a shot just wide of the goal.
The teams went into halftime tied at 0-0, with both defenses proving their mettle.
Second Half Dynamics
Burkina Faso resumed with aggressive plays and nearly took the lead in the 58th minute when Alassana Bagayogo’s free kick went just wide. The USA responded defensively, absorbing the pressure and looking for opportunities to strike.
Key Moments Leading to the Goal
As the match progressed, the U.S. began to find rhythm. A critical moment arrived in the 79th minute. Mathis Albert crossed from the left flank, which Julian Hall failed to connect with on a header. However, Sullivan reacted quickly, converting from close range.
Defensive Resilience
The U.S. defense held strong in the closing minutes, preventing Burkina Faso from equalizing. Aidan Stokes finished the match with four saves, ensuring a clean sheet for the team.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | USA | BFA |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 9 | 16 |
| Shots on Goal | 4 | 4 |
| Saves | 4 | 3 |
| Corner Kicks | 5 | 5 |
| Fouls | 16 | 9 |
| Offside | 1 | 0 |
Looking Ahead
This win positions the U.S. second in Group I as they prepare for their next challenge against Tajikistan on November 8, 2025. The young players are eager to continue their journey in the tournament, building on this impressive victory against Burkina Faso.
The U.S. U-17 team has an overall record of 10 wins and 8 losses in opening matches at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, demonstrating their ongoing development and potential on the international stage.
