USA forward Joshua Sargent (white jersey) holds off Goncalo Loureiro of visiting during their Nike International Friendliesmatch on November 30, 2016, in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. (Photo: John Dorton/isiphotos.com)
LAKEWOOD RANCH, Florida -- Joshua Sargent scored three goals and the United States under-17 national team earned a 7-1 win over visiting Portugal in the 2016 Nike International Friendlies opener for both at the Premier Sports Campus Stadium Field.
Andrew Carleton struck for a brace, while Ayo Akinola and Rayshaun McGann added a goal each as the Americans moved to the top of the table on goal difference over Brazil, which toped Turkey, 4-2.
The host took a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute, when Carleton converted a penalty kick after Akinola was fouled in the box.
Akinola set-up Sargent for his first goal in the 19th minute, but Umaro Embalo pulled one back for Portugal four minutes later
Carleton restored the two-goal advantage in the 37th minute with a tremendous left-footed, half-volley off a looping assist from George Acosta.
Following the break, the U.S. stayed on the front foot with four unanswered goals
Sargent outmuscled a defender to make it 4-1 in the 54th minute, while Akinola extended the chasm in the 63rd minute by redirecting Carleton's attempt. Sargent completed his hat-trick with a back-heel effort in the 82nd minute, before McGann's drilled a shot in the second minute of stoppage time to cap the 7-1 scoreline.
The USA returns to action Friday against Turkey.
