The U.S. U-17 boys national team's month-long trip to South America is quickly turning into a learning experience.
In the first of nine games in Uruguay and Argentina, the U-17s were crushed by Uruguay, 6-1, at the Estadio Centenario, site of the inaugural World Cup final in 1930.
Uruguayan referee Fernando Falce whistled the USA for two red cards and four penalty kicks, including three penalties in the final 15 minutes.
U.S. captain Jared Jeffries recorded the lone goal for the U.S., converting a free kick to keep the Americans in the match in the first half. In the second half, Jeffries and Danny Wenzel were sent off.
Coach John Hackworth's reaction: ''Although the end result seemed rather lopsided, we were very much in the game until the second red card. ThereÆs nothing we can do about the penalty kicks that were called. Having said that, I was disappointed in the way the team performed. We did not execute anywhere close to our ability. WeÆve played some very good soccer in recent months, and at the same time weÆve had some crazy results. Inconsistency happens at this level; the important thing is to learn from your mistakes.''
The USA next plays Peru on Oct. 10 in San Luis, Argentina, as part of a four-nation tournament that also includes Argentina and New Zealand.
Oct. 5 in Montevideo
Uruguay 6 USA 1. Goals: Urretavizcaya 3, Pastorini pen. 16, pen. 75, Diaz pen. 85, Gomez 86, Lavandeira pen. 90; Jeffrey 42.
USA — Lambo, Williams (Altimorano, 75), Bates, Turk (Carter, 64), Uy, Wenzel, Jeffrey, Barrera, McLoughlin, Finley (King, 46), Garza (Levy, 46).