Youth National Teams: U-17 Boys Undefeated Through Three Games in New Zealand

The U.S. Boys U-17 national team opened the 1998 Christchurch Cup with two resounding wins and a draw with host New Zealand. The U.S. blistered Solomon Islands in a 10-0 victory on Dec. 11 before drawing with New Zealand 0-0 on Dec. 12. The Americans then handily defeated Tahiti 6-0 on Dec. 14. Rising star Landon Donovan leads the entire tournament with 6 goals, while DaMarcus Beasley and Jordan Cila have 3 goals apiece. With a plus-16 goal differential, the U.S. is in good position to take first place in the competition when they conclude play against South Africa Dec. 16 and South Korea Dec. 18. The U.S. U-17s are preparing for February’s CONCACAF qualifying tournament for the right to play in the 1999 U-17 World Championship, which will be held in New Zealand from Nov. 10-27, 1999.