U.S. U-17 Women Demolish India 8-0 In Historic World Cup Victory

2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup | India

The United States U-17 Women’s National Team announced their arrival at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in emphatic fashion, crushing host nation India 8-0 in a record-breaking performance that showcased the depth and talent of American youth soccer.

Playing in front of 4,100 passionate fans in India, the young Americans delivered a masterclass in attacking football, setting a new record for the largest margin of victory in U.S. U-17 women’s history.

First Half Dominance Sets Historic Pace

From the opening whistle, the United States controlled every aspect of the match. Their crisp passing and purposeful movement immediately put India’s defense under pressure, with the Americans pushing their defensive line past midfield within the first six minutes.

The breakthrough came in the 7th minute through a perfectly executed set piece. Riley Jackson’s corner kick was played short before she delivered a pinpoint cross from the right wing. Melina Rebimbas met the aerial pass with a thunderous one-touch volley into the lower left corner, giving the U.S. the early lead.

Eight minutes later, Jackson struck again from another corner kick, finding Charlotte Kohler unmarked in the box—Kohler’s header from four yards out nestled perfectly under the crossbar, doubling the American advantage.

The floodgates opened as the U.S. added three more goals before halftime:

• 23rd minute: Onyeka Gamero capitalized on a defensive error, stealing possession and firing a rocket into the lower right corner from the penalty spot
• 30th minute: Rebimbas completed her brace after Jackson’s cross deflected off an Indian defender, allowing her to slot home from the top of the box
• 39th minute: Gisele Thompson capped the first-half scoring with a composed finish from 12 yards after a brilliant cut inside the penalty area

Second Half: Records Fall and History Made

The second half brought more of the same dominance, with substitutes making immediate impacts. In the 51st minute, Mia Bhuta’s corner kick found Ella Emri unmarked at the back post, and her powerful header into the upper corner tied the previous U.S. record for largest victory margin.

But this team wasn’t finished. Taylor Suarez converted a penalty kick in the 58th minute after Charlotte Kohler was fouled in the box, officially breaking the record with a 7-0 lead.

The final goal came courtesy of Bhuta herself in the 62nd minute—a spectacular 25-yard strike into the upper right corner that sealed the 8-0 victory and wrote her name into the history books.

Bhuta’s Remarkable Story

Perhaps the most compelling storyline was Mia Bhuta’s performance against the country her father once called home. Born to an Indian father from Mumbai and an American mother from Pittsburgh, Bhuta became the first player of Indian descent to represent the United States Soccer Federation.

Her father immigrated to the U.S. at 16 as an exchange student, eventually attending Mercyhurst College where he met Bhuta’s mother. The family settled in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, where Mia developed into a standout player before earning early admission to Stanford University.

“It was crazy,” Bhuta said when asked about a congratulatory Instagram post from USWNT star Megan Rapinoe. “I’ve never met her, but I’ve always looked up to her. She’s someone I aspire to be like both on and off the field.”

Looking Ahead

This historic victory serves notice that American youth soccer continues to produce exceptional talent. The comprehensive nature of the win—featuring contributions from eight different players—demonstrates the program’s remarkable depth.

The U.S. U-17 Women’s team will look to build on this momentum when they face Brazil on Friday, October 14 at 7:00 AM ET in their next World Cup fixture.