Nike International Friendlies with an impressive display of offensive soccer

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (Dec. 13, 2013) – The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team won the 11th edition of the Nike International Friendlies with an impressive display of offensive soccer that yielded a 4-1 win against Brazil in the tournament’s final match.
The USA (2-1-0; 6 points) claimed its second Nike International Friendlies title in three years thanks to goals from Joe Gallardo, tournament MVP Christian Pulisic and Golden Boot winner Haji Wright, who notched a brace. Kevin Silva, who earned the tournament Golden Glove award, had another strong performance in goal for the USA, making five saves to go along with excellent work snuffing out numerous other chances and distributing the ball well from the back.
Brazil (1-1-1; 4 points), which could have won the competition with a win or draw, lost its composure in a fast-paced, high-intensity match as two players, Evander da Silva and Jordan William were shown straight red cards for reckless challenges in the final five minutes of each half. Marcelo da Souza scored Brazil’s lone goal in the first half.
In the opening five minutes, Brazil carved out the first couple opportunities of the match. Da Souza got the better of Edwin Lara down the USA’s left flank to swing in a cross that da Silva headed over the bar before center back Gustavo Martini also sent a free header well over top the net on Brazil’s next possession.
In response, the USA scored on its first concerted attack. Right back Matthew Olosunde spun away from two Brazil players and slipped the ball to Wright near midfield. The lanky striker sped forward, shrugging off the challenge of one defender before waltzing past another and firing a shot that deflected past a sprawling Bruno Oliveira in the Brazil goal.