A well-known rival, an expected result.

The U.S. women’s team fell to North Korea with a score of 1-0 in the semifinals of the Under-17 World Cup on Wednesday night. This marked the furthest the Americans have advanced in the tournament since 2008, when they were defeated by—surprise—North Korea in the final.

The record now stands at 0 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses for the U.S. against North Korea in the U-17 tournament. Additionally, the Under-20 team also faced defeat against North Korea during its World Cup last month.

However, the U.S. team still has a shot at earning a medal. They will compete in the third-place match on Sunday against either England or Spain, who are the two-time defending champions and previously defeated the Americans in the group stage.

Meanwhile, North Korea aims to secure its third title in the U-17 division.

The first half showcased a defensive standoff between both teams, but North Korea began to outlast the U.S. women as the match progressed. The pivotal moment occurred in the 69th minute when Ro Un-hyang capitalized on an error from Daya King to score. It marked the first goal allowed by the U.S. since their opening match in the group stage.

The Americans narrowly escaped conceding a second goal during stoppage time as North Korea intensified its offensive efforts in the final three minutes.

The U.S. women’s best opportunity to score—indeed, their only attempt—came in the 41st minute when Micayla Johnson’s shot went over the crossbar.

YSL News Sports provided updates, highlights, and analysis throughout the U-17 Women’s World Cup semifinal:

USA vs. North Korea highlights

No VAR assistance this time

In the second half, the U.S. women did not receive any support from VAR.

In the 82nd minute, Captain Kennedy Fuller fell in the penalty area after a hit from Ri Ye-gyong. No foul was called, prompting U.S. coach Katie Schoefper to challenge the decision. However, contrary to the first half when a penalty for the U.S. was overturned, this time VAR ruled against the Americans, and no penalty was awarded.

More substitutions for the U.S.

In their effort to equalize, the U.S. women made additional substitutions.

Melanie Barcenas, who scored three times in this tournament, came off in the 77th minute for Jaiden Rodriguez, while Kimmi Ascanio, who found the net in the quarterfinal against Nigeria, was replaced by Y-Lan Nguyen.

North Korea takes the lead: Ro Un-Hyang scores

North Korea seized the opportunity from a U.S. error and gained the advantage.

Ro Un-Hyang scored in the 69th minute by converting a defensive blunder into a goal. This was the first goal allowed by the U.S. since their group stage match against Spain, and it ensured North Korea maintained its record of never falling behind in the tournament.

The two teams were evenly matched until that moment. After Daya King, who had just entered the game, mishandled a clearance, Ro capitalized on it with a powerful shot into the net.

Fresh substitutes

For the first time, the U.S. made substitutions, bringing on Daya King and Maddie Padelski in the 59th minute to replace Katie Scott and Micayla Johnson.

Yellow card issued to the U.S.

Jocelyn Travers received a yellow card in the 47th minute, marking the first of the match, but it did not cost the U.S. as they successfully cleared the subsequent free kick.

Halftime scoreless

What else could you expect from two of the top defensive teams in the U-17 World Cup?

At halftime, the U.S. and North Korea remained at a standstill with no goals. North Korea had one extra shot (five) compared to the Americans, but scoring opportunities were few for both teams due to each side’s tight defense.

The USWNT’s prime opportunity was in the 41st minute when Kimmi Ascanio set up Micayla Johnson deep in the penalty area. After outmaneuvering a North Korean defender, Johnson took her shot, which flew over the bar.

North Korea responded with two chances shortly after; one shot sailed over while another hit the side netting.

The Americans did benefit from a VAR decision in the fifth minute when a penalty called against Katie Scott was overturned.

Challenging competition

Given the trends seen so far in the tournament, scoring will likely be a big challenge for the U.S. women.

North Korea has conceded only one goal throughout the tournament, which occurred in their first group stage match against Mexico. They have not trailed in any match, as that single goal came when North Korea was already leading 3-0.

This outstanding defensive record is the best among all 16 teams participating in the tournament.

Penalty reversal

In the opening crucial moment of the semifinal, VAR worked in favor of the U.S. women.

An initial penalty called against Katie Scott was overturned, preventing North Korea from gaining an early lead.

Scott, who rejoined the starting lineup after her previous stint from the bench against Nigeria, was deemed to have committed a foul on Choe Il-son just five minutes into the match. The referee ruled that Scott clipped Choe while contesting the ball just outside the 6-yard box.

However, the U.S. quickly appealed—Scott signaled for a review, and after examining the play, the VAR overturned the penalty.

Viewing details for U.S. vs. North Korea at the U-17 World Cup

The match kicks off at 7 p.m. ET and will be available to watch on FS1 and Telemundo.

Who is the U.S. women’s next opponent?

As this is a youth World Cup, it’s no surprise that they faced off against North Korea.

This match marked the ninth encounter between the U.S. and North Korea women’s teams.

Korea has faced the United States in the Under-17 and U-20 World Cups three times in the past, including the 2008 final where North Korea triumphed over a U.S. team featuring players like Crystal Dunn and Sam and Kristie Mewis, securing their first tournament victory.

Recently, the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) lost to North Korea in the U-20 World Cup semifinals last month. North Korea went on to claim the championship, while the U.S. team earned a bronze medal by defeating the Netherlands.

US Starting 11 Against North Korea

U.S. coach Katie Schoefper has opted for a lineup that many fans will recognize.

Katie Scott and Micayla Johnson have returned to the starting 11 for Wednesday night’s semifinal clash with North Korea after contributing off the bench in the quarterfinal match. Notably, both players had started the final two group matches for the Americans.

The rest of the lineup is unchanged:

Goalkeeper: Evan O’Steen

Defenders: Katie Scott, Trinity Armstrong, Kiara Gilmore, Jocelyn Travers

Midfielders: Ainsley McCammon, Kennedy Fuller (captain), Kimmi Ascanio, Melanie Barcenas

Forwards: Micayla Johnson, Mary Long

U-17 Women’s World Cup Bracket

Who Makes Up This Team?

The U-17 World Cup is designated for players born on or after January 1, 2007, primarily consisting of high schoolers and early college students. In a positive development for the sport, this U.S. squad features professional athletes for the first time. There are four professional midfielders: Kennedy Fuller from Angel City, Melanie Barcenas and Kimmi Ascanio from the San Diego Wave, and Ainsley McCammon from the Seattle Reign.

All four midfielders have been key players in the starting lineup, with Fuller and Barcenas each contributing three goals thus far.

Did you know? Barcenas wears No. 13 for the U.S., a number famously worn by her former Wave teammate Alex Morgan. When Barcenas sent Morgan a picture of her in the jersey, Morgan shared it on Instagram with the caption, “Will need 1 Adult Medium and 2 Kids Smalls.”

Has the USWNT Ever Won the U-17 World Cup?

No, they have not. Their best result came in 2008, the tournament’s inaugural year, when they reached the final but lost to North Korea, 2-1, in extra time.

How Did the USWNT Reach the Semifinals?

The Americans began their group stage with a defeat against Spain, the two-time reigning champions of the U-17 World Cup. They bounced back with consecutive victories over Colombia and South Korea, securing advancement to the knockout rounds as the group’s runner-up.

Kennedy Fuller played a pivotal role in the U.S. women’s 2-0 quarterfinal win over Nigeria, contributing a goal and an assist. This marked the third straight match where the Americans kept a clean sheet, a first for them at the U-17 World Cup.

Where is the U-17 World Cup Being Held?

The tournament is taking place in the Dominican Republic.

The U.S. vs. North Korea semifinal is set to happen in Santiago de los Caballeros, while the other semifinal, featuring the two-time defending champion Spain and England, will be in Santo Domingo. The final and the third-place match will also be held on November 3 in Santo Domingo.

U.S. Roster for Under-17 Women’s World Cup

Goalkeepers (3): Wicki Dunlap (North Carolina Courage Academy), Evan O’Steen (Solar SC), Molly Vapensky (Carolina Ascent),

Defenders (6): Trinity Armstrong (UNC), Kiara Gilmore (FC Dallas), Jordyn Hardeman (Solar SC), Daya King (Legends FC), Katie Scott (Penn State), Jocelyn Travers (FC Bay Area Surf)

Midfielders (7): Scottie Antonucci (Legends FC), Kimmi Ascanio (San Diego Wave), Melanie Barcenas (San Diego Wave), Kennedy Fuller (Angel City FC), Ainsley McCammon (Seattle Reign), Jaiden Rodriguez (San Diego Surf), Y-Lan Nguyen (Virginia Development Academy)

Forwards (5): Anna Babcock (Crossfire Premier SC), Micayla Johnson (Michigan Hawks), Mary Long (Duke), Maddie Padelski (Alabama), Leena Powell (Tudela FC)