THE UNITED STATES U-17 NATIONAL team defeated Trinidad & Tobago 2-0 on Monday evening to remain perfect in its start to World Cup qualifying. The young Americans were not as sharp as they had been in recent months but found a way to win thanks to goals from Joe Gallardo and Haji Wright.

The U.S. took the lead in the 31st minute after winning a free kick just outside the box. Gallardo stepped up and fired a low shot around the wall that snuck inside the right post to give his team a 1-0 lead. The 16-year-old Monterrey academy player now has four goals in the tournament and 14 career goals for the U-17 national team.

Forty minutes later—and after many missed opportunities—the Americans added an insurance goal when Christian Pulisic delivered a nifty chip to Wright down the left flank. Wright made a 40-yard run with the ball and finished off the play with a low, powerful shot that rippled the side netting.

After the second goal the U.S. appeared to take its foot off the gas pedal and did not create many chances. Trinidad nearly pulled one back but American goalkeeper William Pulisic game up with a difficult save from distance followed buy another stop off the rebound.

The U.S. now has six points through two games and a plus-seven goal differential, placing it atop the standings in Group A. Next up: a match against Guatemala (1-1-0) on Thursday (6pm; Fox Sports 2; Univision Deportes).

Here are three thoughts on Monday's match.

Need to improve in final third

Against Cuba on Friday, the United States moved the ball with ease and more or less did what it wanted to do. That was not the case against Trinidad & Tobago—a faster, more athletic opponent. The Americans had a number of opportunities but poor execution kept Trinidad & Tobago in the game longer than it deserved to be. As T&T hung around, its players gained confidence and it showed in their performances.

Poor decision making in the final third—nerves? just an off night for attackers?—kept the U.S. from pulling away early. But this U.S. U-17 team has demonstrated the ability to beat quality teams so there is no cause for panic.

If the U.S. gets past Guatemala easily on Thursday, all will be forgiven (and forgotten). But if Richie Williams' squad struggles against Guatemala, questions will be raised about the Americans' ability to showcase its talent in important games.

Defense has dominated so far

Despite questions about the team’s offensive execution, the defense has remained consistently strong. In fact, the two shots Trinidad & Tobago mustered in the 87th minute were the first two shots on goal the U.S. has faced in the tournament.

Williams will likely need to rely on this strength before the tournament is over, as it can cover up for an off-night offensively or even a scoring drought that lasts a few games. Guatemala easily defeated Trinidad & Tobago in its opener, 4-1, so the American backline should face a real test on Thursday.

Haji Wright has more to give

Faced with high expectations coming into World Cup qualifying, American winger Haji Wright has not had the best start to the tournament. His second-half goal against Trinidad & Tobago, however, was beautifully executed and hinted at his game-changing athleticism and skill.

Wright is extremely fast and strong for the U-17 level. Whether that carries over as he moves on to older age groups remains to be seen, but he can take over an under-17 game at any moment.

In the 71st minute he did well to take Christian Pulisic’s pass, move up the field past Trinidad & Tobago’s defense, and hit a powerful, accurate shot for his 27th career goal for the U-17s. For the rest of this tournament and potentially the U-17 World Cup in October, Wright will be a weapon that other teams will struggle to contain for an entire 90-minute run.

Brian Sciaretta is an American Soccer Now columnist and an ASN 100 panelist. Follow him on Twitter.