The USA opened its U-17 World Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over tournament host New Zealand. David Mulligan put New Zealand ahead, 1-0, in the 16th minute with an 8-yard header off a free kick from midfield. The USA had most of the possession in the first half, but had to play against a powerful wind. In the 50th minute, Mulligan was ejected when, after a hard foul on Landon Donovan, he received his second caution. With a man advantage and the wind at their backs, the Americans easily controlled the pace of the game in the second half. But it wasn’t until the 69th minute that Abe Thompson equalized. The USA went ahead, 2-1, in the 75th minute through Donovan, who flicked the ball past the New Zealand keeper from close range. The USA’s Oguchi Onyewu was ejected in stoppage time. The USA’s next game is against Poland on Nov. 12, 10 pm Eastern Time.