The USA U-17 national team fell to Asian champion Oman 4-0 Sept. 6 in its first match at the U-17 World Championship in Alexandria, Egypt. The loss leaves the USA tied for third in Group C, with the top two teams advancing to the quarterfinals. Oman had the better of play in the first half, and took a 2-0 lead into the intermission through a pair of set-piece goals. Moshin Al Harbi headed in a free kick in the 16th minute and Juma Al Mukhaini headed in a corner kick in the 41st. The U.S. had two superb scoring chances in the first half. In the 26th minute, Gus Kartes slipped a pass to forward Taylor Twellman, whose soft 16-yard chip just missed going over the Oman keeper’s head. Twellman had another chance ten minutes later, when he controlled a cross from Fausto Villegas and slammed a shot off the crossbar. In the second half, Oman put the game away with a goal from forward Hashim Mohamed just two minutes into play. Mohamed scored the game’s final goal in the 53rd minute. The U.S. had several second-half chances, including a 22-yard shot from Nick Downing that went just wide, but were unable to capitalize. “Oman proved today why they are the Asian champions,” said U.S. head coach Jay Miller. “They took advantage of their scoring chances and played a sound defensive game.” The USA’s next match will be Sept. 8 against Brazil, which routed Austria 7-0 in its first match. Sept. 6 in Alexandria Oman 4 USA 0. Goals: Al-Harbi 16, Al Mukhaini 41; Mohamed 47, 53. Oman — Al Alawi, J.Al Mukhaini (Jaman, 75), Al Hadabi, M.Al Mukhaini, Al Bulushi, Mohamed (Al Grafri, 80), Al Sa’adi (Al Amri, 63), Al Harbi, Al Farsi, Nairooz, Al Yaarabi. USA — Hancock, Califf, Hollenbach, Thomas, Downing, Villegas (Wilson, 73), Gonzalez (Leonard, 50), Yamauchi, Kartes, Gutierrez (Rupsis, 56), Twellman. Yellow cards: Oman — Nairooz 45; USA — Twellman 32. Att.: 22,000.