The US U-17 national team jumped out to a two-goal lead in the first half but let precious points slip away in their second game at the U-17 World Cup.
A pair of goals in a span of 10 minutes midway through the second half forced the US to frustratingly settle for a 2-2 draw against Croatia on Tuesday in Vina Del Mar, Chile. The result leaves the Americans with one point and tied for third place out of four teams through two matches in Group A, ahead of hosts Chile on goal differential.
After getting blanked in a 2-0 loss to Nigeria in the tournament opener, the US scored their first goal of the tournament in the 20th minute when Christian Pulisic found the back of the net. Twenty minutes later, Brandon Vazquez (above) doubled the lead to give Richie Williams' side a healthy lead.
Unfortunately for the Americans, they could not hold on after halftime. Karlo Majic cut the deficit in half with a strike in the 65th minute, and Croatia completely erased the lead when Luka Ivanusec found the back of the net 10 minutes later.
The US nearly conceded what would have been a decisive goal in the waning seconds but were saved by the post on two different attempts to take a share of the spoils.
The Americans now face an uphill battle to advance from their group, as they will likely need a win on Friday when they face tournament hosts Chile, although a draw and a decisive Nigeria win over Croatia could also send the US to the Round of 16.
USA lineup: 1-Will Pulisic; 18-Tyler Adams, 5-Hugo Arellano (capt.), 15-Danny Barbir, 3-John Nelson; 16-Tommy McCabe; 11-Josh Perez (6-Eric Calvillo, 68), 20-Alejandro Zendejas, 10-Christian Pulisic, 8-Luca de la Torre (7-Haji Wright, 83); 19-Brandon Vazquez (9-Joe Gallardo, 75)
Subs Not Used: 2-Matt Olosunde, 12-Kevin Silva, 13-Alexis Velela, 14-Tanner Dieterich, 17-Pierre da Silva, 21-Eric Lopez
