Brewer, Touray and Malsom power the Americans in Morocco as next challenge looms vs. China PR
SALÉ, Morocco — The United States Under-17 Women’s National Team began its quest for World Cup glory in emphatic fashion, blanking Ecuador 3–0 in the opening match of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. First-half goals from defender Meila Brewer, midfielder Nyanya Touray, and forward Lauren Malsom gave the young Americans a perfect start in Group C play at the Mohammed VI Football Academy.
The match marked a confident return to the global stage for head coach Katie Schoepfer’s squad, featuring a blend of experienced returnees and exciting newcomers. The U.S. dominated possession, doubled Ecuador’s shot total 22–11, and kept goalkeeper Evan O’Steen’s clean-sheet streak alive with her fifth career U-17 World Cup shutout.
Early dominance and breakthrough
The Americans wasted no time asserting themselves. In the fourth minute, Chicago Stars forward Micayla Johnson sliced into the box and forced Ecuador goalkeeper María Rodríguez into a fingertip save. Moments later, the Video Support System declined two penalty shouts as Johnson was tripped twice in the area, but the U.S. kept pressing.
Persistence paid off in the 19th minute. After earning a corner, midfielder Scottie Antonucci curled in a perfect inswinger that found Brewer charging through traffic. The 16-year-old defender rose highest to smash home her first international goal from five yards out, giving the U.S. a deserved 1-0 lead.
Ecuador’s defensive frustration surfaced quickly, resulting in two early yellow cards as the South Americans struggled to match the tempo and physicality of the American press. Forward Maddie DiMaria nearly doubled the lead three minutes later, rattling the crossbar with a powerful header.
Touray and Malsom seal it before halftime
Despite seeing two DiMaria goals correctly ruled offside, the U.S. attack was relentless. In the 41st minute, Malsom slipped a pass behind Ecuador’s back line for DiMaria, whose low drive forced another save from Rodríguez. The rebound fell kindly to Nyanya Touray, who calmly tapped in from close range for her fifth U-17 international goal and a 2-0 advantage.
Just before halftime, Johnson once again unlocked the defense with a deft outside-foot pass that found Malsom streaking down the middle. The University of North Carolina freshman collected, cut across her marker, and slotted the ball low to the left corner from 13 yards out. Her first World Cup strike made it 3-0 and effectively ended the contest before the break.
The Americans closed the half with a barrage of corners and shots, forcing Ecuador to defend desperately. The halftime whistle was a welcome relief for the overwhelmed visitors.
Controlling the finish
Schoepfer rotated her bench liberally in the second half, using all five substitutions. Defender Natalie Chudowsky replaced Brewer at the interval, while midfielders Jaiden Rodriguez and Chloe Sadler entered on the hour mark. KK Ream, one of four professional players in the squad, nearly added a fourth goal in the 71st minute but was denied by Rodríguez on a breakaway.
Although Ecuador saw slightly more possession after intermission, O’Steen handled the few tests comfortably to preserve the shutout. The U.S. finished with eight corner kicks to Ecuador’s six and an expected-goals edge of 3.89 to 0.39, underscoring its dominance.
Building momentum and what’s next
The victory places the United States in second place in Group C, trailing China PR on goal difference after the Chinese side routed Norway 5–0 in the day’s other match. The top two teams from each group and the four best third-place finishers will advance to the Round of 16.
Schoepfer’s side now turns its attention to China PR on Tuesday, Oct. 21 (Noon ET; FS2) in what could decide control of the group. The Americans close group play against Norway on Oct. 24 (9 a.m. ET; FS2).
Three members of the current roster — O’Steen, Antonucci, and Johnson — were part of last year’s World Cup campaign, providing valuable experience on a squad that also includes seven college players, two professionals, and two youth-club standouts. Center-back Pearl Cecil captained the side, earning her first appearance on the sport’s biggest youth stage.
Discipline will be key moving forward: Antonucci and Rodriguez both picked up yellow cards and will be suspended one match if they receive another caution before the quarterfinals.
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