USA U-17s Shatter Records With 22-0 Win

No, that wasn’t a typo.

The United States Mens Under-17s kicked off their World Cup campaign in style this week by defeating the US Virgin Islands U-17s by a score of 22-0, breaking multiple records in the process.

It is the largest margin of victory that has been recorded at any level of World Cup qualifying. The previous record for most goals scored in one game was 12 goals, which was equaled by the 44th minute. By halftime, it was 14-0.

The scoresheet was so long that you needed a scroll bar. Columbus Crew II striker Chase Adams scored 10 goals. NYCFC’s Maximo Carrizo scored four goals. Braces from Chance Cowell (younger brother of Cade Cowell) and LAFC’s Jude Terry added to the misery for the USVI, and four others got on the scoresheet.

The USA outshot its opponent 53-0 and dominated from the first whistle. It perhaps came as little surprise, as the USVI are on an 18-match losing streak, with their last victory coming in 2006. The previous best result the u-17 men’s side had before this was a 13-0 victory over the US Virgin Islands in 2018. The USA women’s side recorded a 20-0 victory over Grenada in the 2022 U-17s World Cup.

After the first match day, the USA U-17s now sit on top of Group F with 3 points and a jaw-dropping +22 goal differential. Their next game will be against St. Kitts and Nevis u-17s on Wednesday as they attempt to qualify for the U-17s World Cup in Qatar this November.