United States capitalizes to beat Malawi 1-0 at U-17s

October 30, 2009

Alex Shinsky scored on a goalkeeping blunder in the 54th minute and the United States beat Malawi 1-0 on Thursday to revive its hopes of advancing at the Under-17 World Cup.

Shimsky’s right-footed volley from the middle of the area was directed into the midsection of Malawi keeper Cuthbert Seengwa, who let the ball slip through his arms – then between his legs – and dribble over the line.

The goal was a reward for dominant statistical performance, in which the United States forced 11 corners and conceded only two, and caught Malawi offside 18 times while being called for the offense only twice itself.

In a game postponed from Wednesday, Costa Rica allowed three first-half goals and fell 4-1 to Turkey in Enugu, a result that left it in last place in Group D with one point. Costa Rica and Turkey played 21 minutes – after being delayed for an hour and a half – before their originally scheduled match on Wednesday was abandoned. Thursday’s match was replayed in its entirety.

The United States had far more possession and chances, including a header by Nick Palodichuk in the fourth minute that Cuthbert knocked away with a reaction save in the fourth minute. U.S. goalkeeper Earl Edwards also was required, thwarting Maxwell Mwanyongo four minutes before halftime.

Cuthbert was far busier though, again reacting to block Marlon Duran’s shot after a deft back heel from Luis Heel just before the ball bounded to Shinsky for his winning shot.

In Enugu, Costa Rica permitted a goal by Omer Ali Sahiner in the third minute and never recovered. Muhammet Demir added his second in as many games in the 33rd and Engin Bekdemir put Turkey ahead 3-0 by the 42nd minute.

Jonathan Moya converted a minute before halftime from a rebound of a shot by Joel Campbell that hit the post to give Costa Rica some hope.

Demir knocked a curling effort off the underside of the crossbar in the 50th but Costa Rica was further buoyed by the ejection of Onur Karakabak in the 52nd with a second yellow card.

However, Gokay Iravul added the fourth in the 70th minute, and despite Ariel Soto’s header off the post in the final minutes, Costa Rica never threatened.

Costa Rica will finish on Saturday against Burkina Faso while the United States will look to advance on Sunday in its final game against the United Arab Emirates.

KANO, Nigeria

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