Atlanta United midfielder Chris Goslin set up the game-winning goal as three of Atlanta United's own helped the U.S. U-17 National Team maintain their perfect record at the FIFA World Cup Monday.
After their debut 3-0 win over hosts India on Friday, Goslin – along with fellow club members Andrew Carleton and Justin Garces – all received the starting nod again to face Ghana. This one was a much tighter match against a team with plenty of European prospects, and the score reflected that as the teams battled to a 0-0 draw as the clock ticked past the hour mark. Carleton showed flickers of magic on the wing, Goslin showed more impressive solidity in the center of the park, and Garces remained calm and decisive in goal including a few stellar saves, but neither side could make the breakthrough early on. However with 15 minutes remaining, the U.S. forced a turnover deep in Ghana territory, Goslin received the ball in space and played it on to Ayo Akinola who slotted the eventual game-winner, assisting the crucial go-ahead goal.
The U.S. was able to hold out from there to secure the victory. Atlanta United has played a vital role in the U-17’s 2-0-0 start. An Atlanta player has either scored or assisted in each game so far, while Justin Garces has yet to allow a goal in the tournament. The U.S. will look to maintain their unbeaten record as they close out the group stage on Thursday against Colombia. A draw or win would set them up well as a first seed heading into the World Cup knockout stages.
