The U.S. run at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup ended in the quarterfinals, but Maddie DiMaria is leaving Morocco with a U.S. record.
DiMaria scored 12 goals at the tournament. That's the most by a U.S. player at any level of a FIFA Women's World Cup tournament, beating Michelle Akers' 10 at the 1991 Women's World Cup.
Beating Spain
On Oct. 29, the Americans took down two-time champions Spain 2-1 in the round of 16. Deus Stanislaus scored in the 43rd minute off an Anaiah Williams assist, and DiMaria added the second just before halftime. Vera Molina pulled one back in the 71st minute, but the U.S. held on despite Spain having more than 70% of the ball and a 20-4 shot advantage.
U.S. Soccer said it was the country's first win over Spain at a FIFA youth women's World Cup since 2004. Loradana Paletta was named Player of the Match.
North Korea too strong
Three days later, the U.S. ran into two-time defending champions Korea DPR and lost 3-0. Ri Ui Gyong scored twice, and Ri Ye Rim added a goal just before halftime. The shot count was 33-5.
It could have been worse. Goalkeeper Avellina Saunders made nine saves, including a penalty stop on Yu Jong Hyang in the 20th minute.
What's next
DiMaria's 24 career goals tie Sunshine Fontes for the most by a U.S. girl at the U-17 level. U.S. Soccer says her 12 goals are also the most by one player at a U-17 Women's World Cup, though two North Korean players could still match it with two games left.
The U.S. opened this tournament with a 17-0 win over Samoa, the biggest win in tournament history, and finishes it knowing how far it still has to go to catch North Korea. DiMaria is a name to remember.
Sources: U.S. Soccer (Korea DPR recap), U.S. Soccer (Spain recap), Concacaf
