Simon Holmes/USSF via Getty Images
The U.S. was knocked out of the Under-17 World Cup after defeat by Morocco on penalties in the first knockout round, despite another eye-catching display from Cavan Sullivan.
Gonzalo Segares’ side conceded a minute from time to draw 1-1 at the Aspire Academy in Qatar, and went down 4-3 on spot-kicks in the last-32, with Cooper Sanchez and Maxi Carrizo missing from the spot.
The U.S. took the lead midway through the first half when Sullivan set up Jude Terry to open the scoring with a deflected strike.
Morocco, though, equalized in the 89th-minute, Abdellah Ouazane beating goalkeeper Aidan Stokes with a low effort.
The game went straight to penalties, with Sullivan, Chase Adams and Mathis Albert all scoring for the U.S, only for Moroccan ‘keeper Chouaib Bellaarouch to save from Carrizo to seal victory for his side.
Led by Sullivan, Segares young side become only the second U.S. team to earn three wins from three in the group stage of this tournament.
The 16-year-old Philadelphia Union midfielder, who has featured in MLS this season, finished the tournament with a direct hand in all but one of the U.S.’ five goals, finishing with two goals and two assists after his cutback for Terry.
Portugal, Mali, France, Switzerland, Mexico, the Republic of Ireland and Brazil were the others sides to progress to the round-of-16 on Friday.
Nov 18, 2025
Connections: Sports Edition
Spot the pattern. Connect the terms
Find the hidden link between sports terms
Play today’s puzzle
