Despite an impressive first-half performance in which the U.S. U-17s controlled much of the play and were stymied mainly by Dutch fouling, the Americans fell, 2-0, and exited the U-17 World Championship at the quarterfinal stage.
Jeffrey Sarpong scored for the Dutch in stoppage time of first half and in the second half it was the U.S. defense that looked scrappy. It had lost Kevin Alston to a broken leg, after a foul from Dutchman John Goossens, in the 16th miniute. Defenders Nik Besagno (injured) and Amaechi Igwe (suspension) were unavailable.
Making his first start of the tournament was central defender Neven Subotic, who did not see action in the U.S. wins over Italy and North Korea. He was ejected in 73rd minute. Nine minutes later Sarpong scored his second.
On the best U.S. chances, Quavas Kirk failed to beat goalkeeper Tim Krul from close range after stealing a backpass and Kyle Nakazawa came close on two free kicks.
Krul made 10 saves on the day and his U.S. counterpart, Bryant Rueckner, made eight.
Sept. 26 in Trujillo
NETHERLANDS 2 USA 0
SA REPORT CARD
(1=low; 5=average; 10=high)
Starters:
G-Bryant Rueckner 4
RB-Kevin Alston NR
CB-Ofori Sakordie 6
CB- Neven Subotic 3
LB-Blake Wagner 4
RM-Quavas Kirk 5
CM-Michael Farfan 5
CM-Kyle Nakazawa 6
LM-Ryan Soroka 5
F-Preston Zimmerman 5
F-David Arvizu 5
Substitutes:
Jeremy Hall 6
Josmer Altidore NR