Chicago Fire Academy goalkeeper Damien Las (Norridge, Ill.) was yet again in action between the pipes for the U.S. U-17 Men's National Team in the 2017 Nike Invitational Friendlies in Lakewood Ranch, Fla. over the weekend.
Following a strong outing in the U.S.' opener against England last Wednesday, Las made way for Portland Timbers academy product Kashope Oladapo, who got the start against the Netherlands on on Friday. After going down 3-0 to the Dutch early on, Las was subbed into the match the 41st minute. The Dutch attack proved too potent, however, as they cruised to a 5-1 win over the U.S. on the tournament's second matchday.
Las was then given the starting nod again in the U.S.' final matchup of the tournament, a Sunday contest with Brazil. Las started and played the full match in what ended up a 1-1 draw, and was credited with three saves. Among them was a big denial in the fourth minute, when Las pounced on a dangerous Bruno Bortolotti opportunity to deny the Brazilians an opportunity from the outset.
The Sunday draw gave the U.S. their only point among all three of this year's friendlies, as Brazil claimed the tournament title following the result.
For more on both games and the Nike Invitationals, check out @USSoccer_YNT on Twitter, get highlights at U.S. Soccer's YouTube page, or visit USsoccer.com.
