The Sanchez goal is in there because she is the only person to penetrate the Japanese defense and score a goal. She also drew a penalty kick. Japan couldn't handle her (they actually gave up 2.5 goals to Sanchez, while shutting out every other player and team in this tournament). But the U.S. defense, midfield (and coaching) couldn't handle Japan's beautiful game either. You're only GREAT if you do it against GREAT competition. Sanchez is now proven and validated to be "FOR REAL".
... You still trying to push this narrative lol. I don't think other people want to be coarse about this, but Japan went and changed half it's team for that particular final group match, and still did more than enough to knock out a tough (hyped by you) US team, leaving little legacy/nostalgia beyond their own impressive performances on route to another final. Remember, it's a U-17 tournament, in a sport few players who excel at younger age groups ever go on to become the worlds best at senior level. So calm down with all the ridiculous "proven", "validated", "for real" talk, as we've all heard this before, and only ever seen very contrasting end results.
I never said that this U.S. team was special, nor did I say they were going to win this tournament. All I ever said was that Ashley Sanchez was special and had what it takes to win the Golden Boot. She did what no other team or player did against a "Deep" and talented (and organized) Japanese team. She scored a goal. Well, actually she scored 2.5 goals against Japan. Japan was the better "team", by far. And certainly better prepared, better coached, more intelligent, etc. Sanchez was the best goal scorer on the pitch, no doubt. Let's not forget, Sanchez tears up club defenses, and Spanish teams as well .......... http://www.socceramerica.com/article/66333/ashley-sanchez-16-scores-four-for-us-u-20-wome.html
She certainly took a page out of Carli Lloyd's book from the 2015 WWC final. Nice goal. Not many players would even try a shot like that.