It was hardly an impressive U.S. team that took to the field for the first time Estadio Elias Aguirre Romero in Chiclayo, Peru, at the 2005 Under-17 World Championship, but John HackworthÆs boys hung on for a 3-2 victory over North Korea.
Ryan Soroka, Kyle Nakazawa and Preston Zimmerman scored the USA, which got all three goals off balls into the box that the shaky Korean defense was unable to clear.
Soroka scored after Amaechi IgweÆs throw-in was flicked on by Quavas Kirk in the 13th minute. Nakazawa scored off an indirect kick from eight yards out in the 43rd minute after a Korean defender was called for a dangerous kick in the box. The play followed another Igwe throw-in into the box. In the 72nd minute, Zimmerman added a third goal, putting away a ball the Koreans failed to clear following IgweÆs corner kick.
The Americans were under pressure for most of the game against the unfancied Koreans. The Americans committed 25 fouls, and their reckless tackling resulted in two yellow cards. The inability of the U.S. midfield to control the tempo of the game was a key reason for the problems the Americans encountered. North Korea finished with a 19-11 edge in shots.
Sept. 17 in Chiclayo
USA 3 North Korea 2. Goals: Soroka 13, Nakazawa 43, Zimmerman 72; Myong Ho Choe 24, Kuk 86.
USA û Rueckner, Alston, Sarkodie, Wagner Igwe, Kirk, Nakazawa, M.Farfan (Hall, 71), Soroka (Subotic, 87), Zimmerman, Arvizu (Besagno, 62).
North Korea – Kwang Min Ju, Nan, Yong, Kwang Ik Jon, Sok, Myong Ho Choe, Kuk, Chol Ung Kim, Kyong II Kim, (Chol Min Jong, 72), Chol Min Pak
Yellow cards: USA – M.Farfan 51, Wagner 64; North Korea — Myong Ho Choe 24, Nan 37.
Referee: Jerome Damon (South Africa).
Att.: 15,200.