Carleton, Goslin feature in CONCACAF Championships

Andrew Carleton started and played 65 minutes while Chris Goslin appeared as a sub in the U-17 US Men’s National Team’s 5-0 win over Jamaica in the CONCACAF Championships.

Carleton played on the wing in a 4-3-3ish formation, but did not stick to one side or the other. He played predominantly on the left, but he would switch sides with fellow winger and Man of the Match Ayo Akinola. Carleton did well to earn his side a penalty in the 22^nd minute with some fancy footwork as he took the ball down from a cross in the box. Unfortunately, his PK was unsuccessful, hitting the shot weak and low.

Other than that moment, Carleton (and the team in general) struggled to put many passes together in the heat of the Panamanian sun. The match called for frequent hydration breaks, and players were quick to go down and call for treatment due to the exhausting conditions. Carleton seemed isolated on the flanks, unable to combine with either of his fullbacks, and too far away from the lone striker Josh Sargent.

Goslin came into the game in the 75^th minute to help see out the game. Goslin slotted into a right-sided central midfield role and combined well with his teammates, but his play was centered around simple passes to help US keep possession and see out the game. Amazingly enough, the USMNT went on to score four goals in the last 15 minutes (plus stoppage time) to turn a close game into a five-goal blowout.

The win puts the U-17s on solid ground to start this competition, sitting atop Group C. Their next match is against Mexico, Wednesday at 6:30 ET.