USA Kicks Off 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with 3-0 Victory Over Ecuador

SALÉ, Morocco – In an exhilarating start to the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, the U.S. Under-17 Women’s National Team made a bold statement with a commanding 3-0 victory over Ecuador. The match showcased a mix of youth and talent, as defender Meila Brewer, midfielder Nyanya Touray, and forward Lauren Malsom each found the back of the net in a thrilling first half. For those looking to catch the action, highlights of the game can be found here.

In the other Group C clash, China PR showcased their strength by defeating Norway 5-0, placing the USA in the second position in the group after the opening match day. The U.S. team will be keen to build on this momentum when they take on China PR next on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Noon ET, followed by a crucial matchup against World Cup-debutant Norway on Friday, Oct. 24, at 9 a.m. ET.

This year marks a significant milestone in the tournament’s history, featuring 24 nations for the first time, an increase from the 16 that competed in previous editions. Morocco is set to host the competition for the next five years, enriching the global tapestry of women’s soccer. The top two teams from each of the six groups, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the Round of 16 knockout stage, heightening the stakes for every match.

Despite being only Ecuador’s second appearance in the tournament, the team came out with early aggression, receiving two yellow cards in the first half. However, they were outmatched by the U.S. squad, who dominated the shot count 22-11, demonstrating their offensive prowess.

The match began with immediate intensity as Micayla Johnson of the Chicago Stars stormed the penalty area early on, forcing Ecuador’s goalkeeper, Maria Rodriguez, to deflect her shot over the bar just four minutes into the game. The U.S. players pushed for an early advantage, resulting in a critical moment in the eighth minute when a possible penalty was overlooked by the referee, sparking brief hopes for a U.S. lead.

Persistent pressure from the U.S. team culminated in a well-deserved opening goal in the 19th minute. After a series of corner kicks, Scottie Antonucci delivered an inswinger that was perfectly met by Meila Brewer, who crashed through the crowded box to head the ball deftly into the net. This marked Brewer’s first-ever goal at this level, offering a motivational boost for the young defender.

With their tails up, the Americans continued to press, creating numerous scoring opportunities. A near miss from Maddie DiMaria hit the crossbar in the 22nd minute, signaling the U.S.’s relentless offensive strategy. Despite seeing a goal from DiMaria earlier ruled offside, the 16-year-old’s tenacity bore fruit in the 41st minute. A slick pass from Malsom allowed DiMaria to break through the defense, and after a strong save by Rodriguez, the opportunistic Nyanya Touray capitalized on the rebound to extend the lead to 2-0.

Just before halftime, Lauren Malsom added another goal to the tally. Connecting with a brilliant pass from Johnson, Malsom executed a clinical finish to the left of Rodriguez, marking her first goal in a World Cup and showcasing her talent on a grand stage.

Despite the 3-0 lead, the U.S. squad continued to pressure Ecuador, narrowly avoiding offside calls that would have added further misery for their opponents. KK Ream, who was substituted in later, had a notable chance during a breakaway but was denied by Rodriguez’s quick reflexes.

Though Ecuador found their footing somewhat in the second half, any serious threats to the American goal were quelled by goalkeeper Evan O’Steen, who achieved her fifth shutout in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup history, showcasing a consistent performance since her four clean sheets in the previous edition of the tournament.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN

USA – Meila Brewer (Scottie Antonucci), 19th minute: Through sustained pressure, the U.S. converted a corner kick into a goal, as Antonucci’s well-placed cross was powerfully headed in by Brewer to give the U.S. an early advantage. USA 1, ECU 0.

USA – Nyanya Touray, 41st minute: In a moment of opportunism, Touray capitalized on a rebound from DiMaria’s shot, tapping it home from close range and making it 2-0. USA 2, ECU 0.

USA – Lauren Malsom (Micayla Johnson), 45+1st minute: Malsom’s composed finish from Johnson’s smart pass solidified the U.S. lead just before halftime. USA 3, ECU 0 FINAL

Additional Notes:

• Three starters for the U.S. – goalkeeper Evan O’Steen, midfielder Scottie Antonucci, and forward Micayla Johnson – experienced competition at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
• Currently, two professional players—Johnson and recently signed Sydney Schmidt with the North Carolina Courage—were in the starting eleven.
• The starting lineup comprised seven college players, two professionals, and two youth club athletes, reflecting a diverse mix of experience and youthful energy.
• Defender Natalie Chudowsky stepped in at halftime, while midfielders Jaiden Rodriguez and Chloe Sadler joined the action in the 62nd minute, adding valuable depth to the squad.
• Pearl Cecil captained the U.S. side during a historic match for ten players, marking their inaugural World Cup experience.
• Both Scottie Antonucci and Jaiden Rodriguez earned yellow cards, reminding the team of the thin line between aggression and discipline as they look to advance.
• The U.S. had an impressive expected goals count of 3.89, while Ecuador managed a mere 0.39, underscoring the dominant performance by the Americans.

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

Match: United States Under-17 Women’s National Team vs. Ecuador
Date: Oct. 18, 2025
Competition: 2025 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup – Group C
Venue: Mohammed VI Football Academy (Pitch 3); Salé, Morocco
Attendance: 555
Kickoff: 8 p.m. local (3 p.m. ET)
Weather: 70 and clear

Lineups:

USA: 1-Evan O’Steen; 2-Cali O’Neill (13-Olivia Robinson, 77), 4-Pearl Cecil (Capt.), 5-Malia Brewer (14-Natalie Chudowsky, 46), 3-Sydney Schmidt; 6-Scottie Antonucci (8-Chloe Sadler, 62), 15-Riley Kennedy, 7-Nyanya Touray (10-Jaiden Rodriguez, 62); 17-Micayla Johnson, 9-Lauren Malsom, 11-Maddie DiMaria (19-KK Ream, 70)

Substitutes not used: 12-Peyton Trayer, 16-Anastasia Showler-Little, 18-Mak Witham, 20-Elayna Kocher, 21-Ella McNeal

Head coach: Katie Schoepfer

ECU: 1-Maria Rodriguez, 3-Maite Zambrano (Capt.), 4-Ammy Flores (15-Esther Carabali, 83), 5-Karolina Villacis, 6-Scarlet Garaicoa, 8-Valeria Briones (7-Emily Delgado, 76), 10-Mary Guerra, 11-Emily Fierro (9-Jaslym Valverde, 46), 14-Nicole Yepez (2-Rosa Estupinan, 46), 16-Xiomara Alcivar (17-Emily Vargas, 88), 20-Zoe Garces

Substitutes not used: 12-Analia Machuca, 13-Dayanna Andocilla, 18-Rihanna Quiñonez, 19-Erika Lopez, 21-Danna Pilamunga

Head coach: Victor Idrobo

Stats Summary: USA / ECU
Shots: 22 / 11
Shots on Goal: 7 / 4
Saves: 4 / 4
Corner Kicks: 8 / 6
Fouls: 7 / 10
Offside: 8 / 1

Officials:
Referee: Alina Pesu (ROU)
AR1: Ivona Pejic (CRO)
AR2: Svitlana Grushko (UKR)
Fourth Official: Olmedo Rivera (ESP)