(Baby) Bulls Abroad: USA loses to Chile, exits U-17 World Cup

The USA U-17 Men's National Team is out of the U-17 World Cup after suffering a 4-1 loss to host nation Chile in the final round of group stage games. The result leaves the USA with just one point from three matches, a -5 goal difference, and last place in Group A.

Both teams needed a win out of this match to be (pretty much) assured of qualification for the knockout rounds, but Chile needed it more. A draw would have favored the USA, who could have clinched third-place in the group and an outside chance of making the next phase of the competition with just two points from the group stage.

It was the Americans who enjoyed the brighter start, getting on the scoreboard in the 10th minute thanks to some aggressive pressure in the final third and a smart finish by Brandon Vasquez. But Chile settled, equalized 10 minutes later, and then took the lead shortly after the second half kicked off.

The home team enjoyed more possession, more shots on goal, generally more of almost everything that often translates into a win, but the game stayed close until the dying minutes. Chile's go-ahead goal had been controversial: Gabriel Mazuela looked to have handled the ball in the act of winning it from USA 'keeper Will Pulisic. But there was nothing wrong the third goal or the fourth, scored in close succession as the match drew to a close.

Cue euphoria for local fans, and disappointment for the young Americans.

The New York Red Bulls' Tyler Adams once again started the match - his second start and third appearance of the tournament - and played the full 90. The other RBNY prospect in the squad, Matthew Olosunde, hasn't been seen since he limped off the field during the USA's opening game. It has been confirmed that his absence from the competition since has been due to injury concerns.

FWIW, Olosunde has been sidelined with muscle injuries before. The lack of depth at outside back on WC roster was an issue from the start.

— J.R. Eskilson (@JREskilson) October 23, 2015

Both players return to RBNY with invaluable experience against their peers from around the world. Adams is already known to be destined for a MLS contract with his club (he played for NYRB II, the Red Bulls' USL team this season); Olosunde's future with the team is less certain - he attracted Manchester United's attention this summer.