GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, CMC:
PHENOMENAL 13-year-old Freddie Adu scored and figured in two other goals as the United States whipped Jamaica 3-0 in the opening game of their Group A CONCACAF World Under-17 Youth series on Wednesday night.
Adu set up Corey Ashe with the US's first goal in the fifth minute, John DiRaimondo made it 2-0 before halftime and Adu sealed the win with a stoppage time goal.
In today's second match-day, Jamaica will play Guatemala, and the US tackle El Salvador, who drew 2-2 with Guatemala in Wednesday night's other game.
Tournament favourites US jumped into a quick lead against the young Reggae Boyz when Adu beat two Jamaica defenders on the left before rifling a pass across the penalty area to Corey Ashe, who slotted home from six yards away.
The US doubled their advantage in the 38th minute, and again it was Adu getting the play started.
His short corner found Guillermo Gonzalez, whose cross was headed home by John DiRaimondo to make it 2-0 at the interval.
After the break, Jamaica, who qualified for the 1999 World Under-17 finals in New Zealand, looked to cut into the lead immediately, launching an all-out assault on the goal of US goalkeeper Phil Marfuggi, who turned aside their best efforts, including a Kemar Munroe free kick that he was barely able to tip over the bar.
Jamaica's spirits received a severe blow in the 69th minute when Andrew Fraser was sent off for his second yellow card of the match, ending any thoughts of a comeback.
Adu added a goal in stoppage time, finishing after a brilliant solo run in the 92nd minute, to ensure a 3-0 victory for the Americans.
The winner of each group will qualify directly to the World final in Finland this summer, while the runners-up engage the Group B runners-up in a home-and-away playoff for the region's third and final spot.
Teams: US - Phil Marfuggi, Kyle Helton, Jonathon Spector, Brandon Owens, Adrian Chevannes, Brian Grazier, Corey Ashe, Guillermo Gonzalez (Daniel Szetela-79), John DiRaimondo, Freddy Adu, Eddie Gaven (Jamie Watson-84).
Jamaica - Dwayne Kerr, Andrew Fraser, Richard Kentish, Marlon Benbow, Keneil Moodie, Ricardo Cousins, Kemar Munroe, Seon Giveans, Phillip Hall (Bryan Bayliss-79), Steven Morrissey (Tristan Cunningham-74), Ricardo Ximinies (Donovan Miller-74).
