Tuesday, October 20, 2009

BALTIMORE, MD -- Two months removed from their season finale and well into their offseason break, Crystal Palace Baltimore stepped on the pitch to lend the US Under-17 Men’s National Team a hand in its final preparations for their upcoming trip to Nigeria for the World Cup. On rainy afternoon Saturday, they played a friendly with the African-bound side, falling 2-0.

With a full two months passed, one can’t fault a little rust, something Dan Lader of Crystal Palace experienced in full as his side was unable to find the net despite several opportunities.

Dominick Sarle of the US squad, however, was spot on, scoring both goals. The first came in the 35th minute when he buried a shot into the left corner. The second came with 10 minutes remaining, striking a fantastic shot past a diving goalkeeper while streaking down the left side.

The first of Lader’s chances came on the hour mark when he saw a shot scream just high of the crossbar. Eleven minutes later Lader was awaiting a corner at the left post, but saw his header fly wide of the target.

The U17 national team departs October 20 for Nigeria to participate in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, which will air on ESPNU. The US opens Monday, October 26 against Spain, the runners-up from two years ago. They then play Malawi Thursday, October 29 and the United Arab Emirates Sunday, November 1. The 24-team event continues with 16 advancing to the knockout stage, which opens November 4 and concludes with the championship and consolation games November 15.