United States U17 soccer pummels Portugal at Nike International Friendlies

At the 2016 Nike International Friendlies and Development Academy Winter Showcase on Wednesday, the United States U17 squad wasted no time proving it could hang with soccer's elite countries. 

The Americans routed Portugal 7-1.

The game was played at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch.

Attacker Jordan Sargent netted a hat trick. Goalkeeper Justin Garces shut down Portugal midfielder Romario Barro, giving up a lone goal to Umaro Embalo.

The United States will play Turkey at 7 p.m. on Friday at Premier Sports Campus as the friendlies continue.