It all comes down to one game for the United States Under-17 national team. Beat El Salvador in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Championship in Jamaica on Tuesday (3 pm ET, ESPN Deportes, ESPN3.com) and Wilmer Cabrera's side qualifies for this summer's U-17 World Cup. Lose and the Americans return to Bradenton, Fla., massively disappointed.
The US went undefeated in their two group-stage matches and will be the heavy favorite against Group A’s runners-up. El Salvador stayed with Costa Rica – considered the second-best side in the tournament – but ultimately fell 3-2 in their only group-stage match. (They earned a 3-0 forfeit victory after Haiti withdrew.)
USA
The Americans return to Catherine Hall Stadium in Montego Bay, where they defeated Panama 1-0 last week to clinch first place in Group B. Cabrera was pleased with his team's performance against a side that bunkered and attempted to score on the counterattack. They'll face similar tactics against an El Salvador team that knows they are better off the longer the score line remains 0-0.
The Red, White and Blue have scored three of their four goals in the five-minute span after halftime, but will look to start quicker in the quarters. Expect the Yanks to press for an early goal.
Forward Andrew Oliver has scored twice, and is combining well with Mario Rodriguez up top. Defensively, the task of stopping El Salvador once again falls to captain Andrew Souders and Mobi Fehr. The four on the back line have been solid so far, eliminating most of the struggles they had on set pieces during the Nike International Friendlies. Conitnue that trend, and the US will like their chances to earn a trip to Mexico.
El Salvador
A victory against the Americans would probably be the country's biggest at the U-17 level. The win would mean El Salvador at least ties for their best showing ever at the CONCACAF Championship – a fourth-place finish in 1999 – and, more importantly, would put them through to the World Cup.
The majority of the players on Pacheco's squad come from San Salvador club Turin-FESA, including first-choice goalkeeper Rolando Morales and defender Victorino Zelaya. Gerardo Iraheta and Rommel MejÃa, who scored against Costa Rica, call Santa Tecla and Dragon home, respectively.
La Selecta conceded a hat trick to Deportivo Saprissa winger John Ruiz and can be attacked on the flanks. This bodes well for the US, who possesses plenty of talent out wide. Morales will need to control any rebounds as the Americans have also shown an aptitude for jumping on spilled balls.
Key Players
United States: Marc Pelosi
The US' most-capped player has been quiet so far during the CONCACAF Championship. He missed the game against Cuba but returned to play 90 minutes in the match with Panama. Pelosi is dangerous on the wing, both scoring goals (he has a team-high six) and creating chances for his teammates.
El Salvador: Victorino Zelaya
The defender led his team in scoring during the qualification round but will need to focus on his back line responsibilities against the US. El Salvador can survive the onslaught brought by Cabrera's side, but organization is paramount. Zelaya's communication skills will be vital.
US Projected Starting XI
Piña; Acosta-Fehr-Souders-Smith; E. Rodriguez-Dunn-Guido-Pelosi; M. Rodriguez-Oliver
El Salvador Projected Starting XI
Morales; Zelaya, Peña, Barahona, Zavaleta, Villavencio, Landaverde, Galdamez, Iraheta, MejÃa, Castro
Final Analysis
The Americans have to win, and on paper are huge favorites to do so.
Noah Davis covers the United States national team for MLSsoccer.com. Follow him on Twitter at @noahedavis.
