Despite nearly being run off the pitch at times by a relentless Ghana side the U.S. maintained its grip on first place in Group A at the U17 World Cup today thanks to substitute Ayo Akinola. By Peter Nolan

With World Cup qualification in the balance in a pair of matches versus Panama and Trinidad and Tobago U.S. MNT coach Bruce Arena has called in a 26 player roster. By Peter Nolan

Josh Sargent, newly committed to Bundesliga club Werder Bremen, leads coach John Hackworth's 21 player squad set to contest the U17 World Cup beginning next month in India. By Peter Nolan

The U.S. kicked off play in the U17 World Cup today with a 3-0 victory over India at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. By Peter Nolan