Just weeks after collecting US Soccer's 2012 Young Male Athlete of the Year award, Rubio Rubin proved yet again why he's such a tantalizing prospect.
In the US' opening match of the 2012 Nike International Friendlies in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., Rubin scored twice and added two assists to help the U-17s keep pace with Brazil in a back-and-forth 4-4 draw.
After falling behind early, the US scored three unanswered goals to take a 3-1 lead after 57 minutes, with the Portland Timbers Academy prospect assisting on Corey Baird's strike with a nifty back heel. As expected, though, Brazil fought back, scoring twice to tie the match before Rubin set up Ahinga Selemani for what seemed to be the game-winning goal in the 81st minute.
Three minutes later, however, the visitor's spoiled an apparent US victory when Murilo beat goalkeeper Paul Christensen to bring the match level.
The US take on Turkey, who lost their opening match, 4-3, to Portugal, on Friday at 5 pm ET.
