Tacoma Defiance standouts Stu Hawkins, Chris Aquino help United States qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup

The future is bright for both club and country.

On Thursday, the United States qualified for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup by defeating host nation Guatemala 5-3 in the 2023 Concacaf U-17 Championship Quarterfinal. Tacoma Defiance standouts Stu Hawkins and Chris Aquino have been regular contributors for the young Americans throughout the qualifying tournament.

Hawkins, 16, has made three starts and one additional appearance as a substitute for the U.S. U-17's in Guatemela. The young center back has played a pivotal role in the Stars & Stripes posting a perfect 5-0 record while conceding just four goals all tournament. 

Aquino, 16, has made three appearances thus far, including starts against Trinidad & Tobago in the group stage and the Dominican Republic in the knockout rounds. The young attacker posted a brace for the U.S. U-17's in their dominant 7-0 victory over the Dominican Republic.

The United States will now face Canada in the Concacaf U-17 Championship Semifinals on Friday (5:00 p.m. PT; FS2) in a rematch of the group stage, which the Stars & Stripes won 1-0. 

You can find more information on the U.S. U-17's HERE.