Gonzalo Segares’ USYNT is off to a winning start at the 2023 U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, thanks to a kid who won’t turn 16 until February.
Charlotte FC youngster Nimfasha Berchimas bagged a brace and had a hand in another goal as the U.S. overcame a blown lead to win 3-1 over South Korea despite being out-attempted 23-9 at Jakarta International Stadium on Sunday.
Both teams put seven shots on target and the Baby Yanks had 54% possession, retaking the lead when Cruz Medina deposited a Berchimas rebound after halftime before Berchimas closed out the scoring in the 73rd minute.
[ MORE: U-17 World Cup hub — Scores, schedule, standings ]
Berchimas broke into Crown Legacy FC — Charlotte’s reserve team — in MLS Next Pro this season, scoring a goal and an assist in 346 minutes.
Medina, who just turned 17 on Sept. 24, has played 39 times for San Jose Earthquakes II in MLS Next Pro.
Myung-jun Kim scored a 35th-minute equalizer for South Korea, who now gets France at 7am ET Wednesday. The French beat Burkina Faso 3-0.
The USMNT meets Burkina Faso at 4am ET Wednesday.
Watch the game highlights en Espanol below.