Crown Legacy FC’s Nimfasha Berchimas followed up a breakout performance in the United States’ first U-17 World Cup match by emerging for another match-winning performance.
Berchimas scored his third goal of the tournament to put the United States ahead 2-0 over Burkina Faso in the second group stage match in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Americans stayed on top to win the match 2-1.
A fellow MLS NEXT Pro player, New England Revolution II’s _Peyton Miller_, assisted the goal with a cross from the right side in the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time. The ball found its way to an open Berchimas, whose powerful shot gave the goalkeeper little chance to make a save.
In the celebration, Berchimas shared his joy with a backflip.
American forward Keyrol Figueroa scored the opening goal for the U.S. just five minutes before Berchimas doubled the lead.
Berchimas is the youngest player to play at a U-17 World Cup since Freddy Adu in 2003. His brace in the opener against South Korea made him the fourth-youngest American goal scorer in a U-17 World Cup.
Originally from High Point, North Carolina, Berchimas started his professional career in the 2023 season with Crown Legacy FC. He made eight appearances with four starts and scored one goal. Berchimas made his breakthrough with the U-17 national team earlier this year with two goals against Ukraine in the Jezek Cup.
The U-17s have a chance to win Group E in their final group stage match against France on November 18 at 7 a.m. ET.
