U17 US Women Defeat And Embrace Haitian Team

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US_HaitiALAJUELA, Costa Rica (March 10, 2010) – The U.S. Under-17 Women’s National Team opened the CONCACAF U-17 Women’s Championships with a 9-0 victory against Haiti as forward Lindsey Horan led the team with four goals and two assists.

While the USA scored several artistic goals, the most amazing moment from the game came after the final whistle as Haitian goalkeeper Alexandra Coby slumped to the turf in tears. Her coach helped her to her feet, and while still sobbing, she saw U.S. goalkeeper Bryane Heaberlin walking toward her. Coby embraced Heaberlin in a tight hug and held on. What followed was a rare sight in sports and an emotional and memorable moment for the young Americans players.

All the U.S. players surrounded Coby and Heaberlin in a huge group hug that lasted at least 90 seconds. When it broke up, the entire U.S. team left the field in tears.

Haiti’s participation in the tournament despite the tragic earthquake has been an inspiration to all the teams in the competition. To donate to the continued relief efforts in Haiti, please visit the American Red Cross web site. While the Haitians showed tremendous fight, the U.S. players were just too strong and fast for the their Caribbean counterparts.

“It just put everything into perspective,” said U.S. defender Olivia Brannon, who played the 90 minutes at right back. “It makes you realize what is truly important, your family, having a roof over your head, and having food on the table. We take all those things for granted. I had my mom in the stands cheering for me tonight. Some of these girls might never have that again.”

Group play for the girls will continue with two more games:
Friday March 12 – U.S. Under-17 Women vs. Cayman Islands – 5 p.m. CT – Live on CONCACAF.com, 7 p.m. CT on FSC
Sunday March 14 – U.S. Under-17 Women vs. Costa Rica – 2:30 p.m. CT – Live on CONCACAF.com, delayed broadcast on Monday March 15th at 2 p.m. CT on FSC

2 thoughts on “U17 US Women Defeat And Embrace Haitian Team”

  1. It is those moments that makes me be proud to be a Haitian-American, and most important a HUMAN BEING!!!

  2. I wanted to know who took the first step toward the Haitian goalkeeper. What and who pushed her to take the first step? This action was so natual. I also want that only player to stay positive, be positive. Don't you ever change! Don't you ever forget! You will be a leader of the world with your strong personality. THIS HUG IS THE PICTURE OF THE YEAR! MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL THE POSITIVE!