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Chris Durkin and the US men’s U-17 national team kick off the U-17 World Cup this morning against India, the host nation. This US U-17 team is one of the most hyped in recent memory, with talents like Josh Sargent, Andrew Carleton, Timothy Weah, James Sands, and Chris Durkin all among its names. With Ghana and Colombia looming, the Baby Yanks will need to get off on the right foot in order to make the knockout rounds.
Key player: Chris Durkin
Chris Durkin, the D.C. United homegrown player and sometime-captain of the U-17, will be called on to start, but it is not yet clear as to where. The US U-17s have only one natural center back on the roster, due to injuries, so one or both of Chris Durkin or James Sands will have to play on the back line. The other will likely be in the midfield, screening and hoping to spring the explosive offense. If you want to get a good look at the future of D.C. United, tune in here.
Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (New Delhi, India)
Kickoff time: 10:30am Eastern
Projected USA starting 11: 4-3-3: Justin Garces; Jaylin Lindsey, James Sands, Tyler Shaver, Chris Gloster; Chris Durkin, Blane Ferri, George Acosta; Andrew Carleton, Josh Sargent, Ayo Akinola
Available TV: Fox Sports 2 and NBC Universo
Available streaming: Fox Sports Go and Universo Now
What are you drinking?: At 10:30 in the morning I will be drinking tea to help calm my nerves for this and for this evening’s USMNT game
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