USA Women’s U-17 Defeat Paraguay 4-1 to Revive World Cup Hopes

The United States Under-17 Women’s National Team secured a 4-1 victory against Paraguay on Saturday night, claiming their first points of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. After an opening loss to Spain, the win positions the U.S. in second place in Group B and keeps their knockout stage ambitions alive. Barcenas Braces for Dominant Display Melanie Barcenas led the American offensive, scoring twice in a clinical performance at the Estadio Félix Sánchez. Kennedy Fuller opened the scoring in the 10th minute, providing an early advantage for the U.S. side. Barcenas then doubled the lead in the 24th minute with a strike from inside the box. Paraguay briefly narrowed the deficit late in the first half when Adriana Martinez converted a penalty in the 43rd minute. However, the U.S. responded immediately after the interval. Barcenas scored her second goal in the 48th minute, followed by a 52nd-minute goal from Mary Long to seal the result. Group B Qualification Stakes The victory moves the United States to three points, trailing group leaders Spain, who have six points following a 5-0 win over South Korea. Paraguay remains on three points but sits in third…