USA Under-17 Women’s National Team Dominates in World Cup Match Against China PR
Match Overview
In an electrifying match on October 21, 2025, the U.S. Under-17 Women’s National Team solidified their position atop Group C of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a commanding 5-2 victory over China PR. The showdown took place at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé, Morocco, and showcased the U.S. team’s dynamic offensive capabilities and resilience on defense.
Notably, this win not only positions the USA firmly at the top of their group but also guarantees them a place in the Round of 16. A subsequent match between Ecuador and Norway resulted in Ecuador’s 2-0 win, further solidifying the USA’s advancement in the tournament. The U.S. will conclude their group stage facing Norway on October 24, where a win or a draw will ensure they finish first.
Striking Performance
The U.S. squad was powered by standout performances from forwards Lauren Malsom and Nyanya Touray, each netting two goals, with Maddie DiMaria contributing another. Their synergy on the field was palpable, creating numerous scoring opportunities that kept the Chinese defense on high alert.
China PR started strong, testing U.S. goalkeeper Evan O’Steen with an early chance. He Yuanqi’s shot, just seconds into the match, was easily handled by O’Steen. However, the Chinese team struck first in the 12th minute when Zhou Xinyi delivered a spectacular left-footed shot from outside the box, finding the top corner and leaving the score at 1-0 in favor of China.
U.S. Comeback
The tide turned quickly for the U.S. as midfielder Chloe Sadler nearly equalized shortly after, firing a shot just above the crossbar. Lauren Malsom responded effectively, scoring her first goal of the tournament in the 27th minute. After Cali O’Neill forced a turnover, Malsom displayed remarkable skill, dribbling down the right side and executing a nutmeg on a defender before placing her shot in the upper corner—1-1.
The first half ended explosively for the U.S., scoring twice in quick succession. In the 44th minute, DiMaria capitalized on a rebound after a deflected pass, dribbling through the defense and striking from the top of the box to give the U.S. a 2-1 lead. Shortly after, Nyanya Touray extended the lead to 3-1, finishing a slick assist from Malsom just before halftime.
Second Half Surge
Continuing their momentum, the U.S. pushed hard in the second half. In the 63rd minute, a thrilling play saw Micayla Johnson navigate past defenders on the right flank, setting Touray up for an easy tap-in, bringing the score to 4-1. Five minutes later, Malsom secured her second goal of the match with a composed finish after DiMaria set her up on the left side of the box, making it 5-1.
Despite the overwhelming lead, a late handball allowed China to score their second goal, with Zeng Youjing curling a free-kick into the net in the 85th minute, bringing the final score to 5-2.
Match Statistics & Highlights
The U.S. team exhibited their dominance throughout the match, outshooting China significantly with 16 total shots compared to China’s 4. Their accuracy was also notable, with 9 shots on target versus China’s 4. The team’s resolve was evident in the midfield, where they secured 7 corner kicks and maintained possession effectively.
Additionally, notable players like Touray and Malsom have now made history by becoming the second and third U.S. players to score three goals in their initial two matches in U-17 Women’s World Cup history. Their impressive performances have positioned them as current leaders in the Golden Boot race of the tournament.
Coach’s Strategy and Team Dynamics
Head coach Katie Schoepfer made a strategic change from the previous lineup by incorporating midfielder Riley Kennedy, leading to a cohesive and dynamic play style. The U.S. team’s ability to score four goals in the last 15 minutes of the first half indicates their strong finishing capabilities—a characteristic that will serve them well as the tournament progresses.
The victory marked the first time the U.S. has won its opening two matches in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, highlighting not just talent, but also the depth and potential of this young squad.
Looking Ahead
As the U.S. prepares for their final group stage match against Norway, the focus will remain on maintaining their aggressive style of play while fortifying their defense. With their spirits high from this decisive win, the team’s path forward looks promising as they seek to continue building on their success in this prestigious tournament.